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Brazilian football legend Pele’s return to Kolkata was celebrated by thousands of fans, who lined up at the Airport to witness the legend in flesh. Close to four decades ago, the ‘black pearl’ first arrived in the City of Joy to play a friendly match against Mohun Bagan for New York Cosmos.
Now, 74-years old, Pele still exudes the same passion for football as before. The motive for his Kolkata visit is to inspire the Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) team, prior to their opening home game against Kerala Blasters on October 13.
Recently, there has been a big question mark over Pele’s health, after he was admitted to the hospital thrice in the past year. However, that will not stop him from cheering on the ATK camp at the Salt Lake stadium tomorrow.
During a media interaction, Pele showcased his wealth of football knowledge, talking about players such as Lionel Messi to analysing how India can become an international football stalwart.
Pele will also be a part of lunch programme tomorrow to motivate the ATK camp, hours before their kick-off. As we are set for an ISL final repeat, ATK players will have a lot to prove with arguably the game’s greatest player sitting in the stands.
Excerpts:
Q. Firstly, how much do you think Kolkata has changed, since your last visit?
To be honest, I have not had much of a chance to see how much the city has changed. But, what I can assure you is the warmth of the fans has been constant. The last time I came here, I could feel the people here loved their football. Now, even before entering the stadium, I can understand how much people like football. That’s what makes football, the world’s largest family.
Q. Since you have come here to motivate the ATK team, what will be your word of advice to them?
My advice is simple, the most important part about a football team is that each player is on the same page. Even, if one player is not in the game and not tuned with the team, there are high chance, they will lose the match. So, I will tell them the importance of being a team in football.
Q. How do you think Indian football can improve its current standard?
From the amount that I know about Indian football, it’s not impossible for India to do well. I think for most players here, it is very important for them to go and play abroad. Once they experience different styles of play, they will learn to adapt. Even if they play lower division, it’s important to play outside your own country.
Q. In recent times, Brazil has failed to recreate their form from eight to 10 years back, do you think the popularity of the game is decreasing back home?
That can never happen. Football is like religion in Brazil, if you go to the top European clubs you will see so many Brazilians. But, what I think the current problem is that we don’t have time to prepare our team. Most of our players now play across the world, so to get them available at the same time is a major issue, unlike other countries, where the players play in the same league, but in different clubs. So, over time, I think this will change.
Q. Who according to you is the best player in the world?
Again, it’s very difficult to say, but if I had to choose on the basis of the last 10 years, it has to be Lionel Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo is more like a squad player, who will get you goals, but Messi is a natural talent. Apart from them, I think Neymar has the potential to become the best. I have seen him since a young age, and from then he has impressed me. He has grown as a player and hopefully one day, he fulfils his potential.
Q. How important do you think infrastructure is for a country to grow in football?
It is one of the most important things, exposure at an early age will help them do better later. I would so some amount talent and dedication is also important, but if there is no infrastructure, the talent cannot be tapped.
Q. As football has evolved, do you think you would be able to play in the current age?
Yes, most definitely. I completely agree that over the years, with technology and better understanding of the game, football has become tougher. You can compare a footballer to a good musician. A good musician will be able to adapt to any tune and chord, similarly even footballers can adapt. So, I think I would have done the same, if I played now.
Q. Any final words for the Indian football fans?
I would like to thank Kolkata for giving me the opportunity to come here after so many years. Thank you to everyone and especially ATK, football unites people across all races and that’s what it’s all about, one big family!
