Photos that chronicle Brazil footballing legend Pele's second visit to India

Pele visits India for the second timePele announced last month that he would be coming to India after 38-years to take part in the Durga Puja, and the footballing legend came through on his promise when he made a three-day visit to Kolkata. The last time the Brazilian came to India he took part in an exhibition match between his then team New York Cosmos and Mohun Bagan. Ahead of coming to India the 78-year old said: "It is such an honour for me to be able to make this trip. India is a very special country and I have good memories from my time there many years ago, the fans were fantastic."Pele who was seen watching the ISL match between Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters will also be travelling to Delhi to watch the Subroto Cup finals.Here are a few pictures from the football legend’s time in Kolkata:

#1 Pele arrives in India

The Brazilian legend is seen with one of India’s most iconic footballer, Chuni Goswami

The three-time World Cup winner was welcomed by Chuni Goswami to the City of Joy where he played an exhibition match between New York Cosmos and Mohun Bagan at Eden Garden back in 1977. The Brazilian legend came to Kolkata on a three-day long tour where he was invited as a chief guest to the ISL match between Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters.

Pele arrives in Kolkata

The crowd made sure Pele wouldn’t forget them with their warm reception. Everyone wanted a piece of the Brazil legend as they gathered to take photos and get close to the former footballer who waved at all his fans.

#2 Pele at the Durga puja

The 74-year old is seen at a Durga Puja pandal

Pele came to Kolkata close to the time of their biggest festival and was seen at a Durga Puja pandal on his second day in the City. He was escorted by former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly.

The legend receives a crown from his fans at Kolkata

The former footballer was also seen wearing a crown which was presented to him by his fans. Amidst all the celebration, he was seen offering some advice to help Indian football get out of their poor form. He felt the only way to get better was to develop the kids from a very early age and ensure that they received adequate foreign exposure.

#3 Pele cuts his birthday cake

Pele celebrates his birthday early in India

Although Pele’s Birthday is on the 23rd of October, the crowd at Kolkata made his visit memorable by celebrating it a few days earlier. The celebration for the Brazilian legends 75th birthday was held at the Netaji Indoor Stadium and was greeted by several celebrities

The Brazilian is seen with Oscar award winning composer AR Rahman

Some of the people who were seen there were Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, as well as the Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee. AR Rahman is also rumoured to be composing the music for the upcoming movie Pele.

#4 Pele recieves Atletico de Kolkata jersey

Atletico De Kolkata co-owner, Sanjib Goenka presents the club jersey to Pele

Pele received Atletico de Kolkata jersey from the club’s co-owners Sanjib Goenka and Sourav Ganguly. The 74-year old was presented the jersey ahead of the team's first home match of the season, where the current champions were scheduled to face last year's finalist Kerala Blasters in ISL 2015.

Two legends of their respective sport seen together

The veteran of football was also raising awareness to fair play, as he was seen giving the following advice, "Always respect your opponents and to the people, you may be the best but you can always learn something."

#5 Selfies during the ISL match

Pele watched the ISL match between Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters with Sourav Ganguly and Nita Ambani

During the match between Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters, Nita Ambani was seen taking selfies with Pele and Ganguly. Pele who was the chief guest of the match saw the home team beat Kerala blasters by a goal at the Salt Lake Stadium. The game ended with Atletico de Kolkata scoring two and Kerala Blasters Scoring one.

It was definitely a good day for Nita Ambani as she got an amazing selfie with a football legend as well as an Indian cricketing great Sourav Ganguly while they were treated to a scintillating match.