Football legend Pele feels the love in Kolkata

King of football Pele on Friday had an advice for defending Indian Super League champions Atletico de Kolkata who’re known for their attacking game.

At a media interaction organised by ATK, the team’s co-owner Harsh Neotia asked him what is his advice would be for the Kolkata franchise and the three-time World Cup winner replied: “Always respect your opponents and to the people, you may be the best but you can always learn something.”

“I always played with a good heart. One more time I say <g data-gr-id="42" style="color: #3b3b3b; font-size: 11px;">thank</g> you very much. I love you.”

ATK co-owners Sourav Ganguly, Sanjiv Goenka, Utsav Parekh and Neotia presented the 74-year-old an autographed jersey and an overwhelmed Pele said: “Thank you very much for this reception. I thank all of you from my heart and accept my thanks from all my fellow Brazilians.”

Pele has returned to the city 38 years after he had enthralled the crowd with New York Cosmos in a 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan in an exhibition match at Eden Gardens. The football legend will be the guest of honour at ATK’s first home match on Tuesday against Kerala Blasters FC and in the morning the team will host the Brazilian over a lunch. 

“Today Pele took part in a programme at Netaji Indoor Stadium with our Sourav Ganguly, music maestro A R Rahman and many other distinguished personalities. I was present on the occasion. Football pulsates us, thrills us. And Pele is an incredible icon in the world of football and sports. We are very very proud of him. My heartiest greetings and best wishes to Pele and to all the football fans all over the world,” Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said in a Facebook post.

Sourav Ganguly regretted that they would not be able to watch Pele in action. “Hope we could see a bit of action but age catches up with everyone. It’s a sporting mad city be it cricket or football. It will not change. I am sure you have fond memories of the reception 38 years ago,” Ganguly told Pele.

“When I was young, I saw a movie about Pele and now I’m getting to see the giant close. It’s so special. I’ve been an avid football fan and watched him play.” Sanjiv Goenka said, “All of us welcome the living legend individually.” Remembering the 1977 visit, Harsh Neotia said he had seen him with his father whose travel agency was associated with <g data-gr-id="54">tour</g>. “My father was so excited to see him and I realised how great a player he was.”

For Utsav <g data-gr-id="51">Parekh</g> it was like a dream come true to sit next to Pele. “I see my dream coming into reality. I always dreamt of meeting you and today I’m sitting next to you. My dream is more than realised.”