Both, Ronaldo and Messi are very good, but the future belongs to Neymar: Pele

According to legendary footballer Pele, it would be unfair to compare Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the two have different styles, says a report in The Times Of India. "Both are very good," he said, adding that the future belongs to Neymar. "My son coached Neymar and prepared him," said Pele proudly.

Asked how street football shaped his career, Pele said he owes a debt of gratitude to his days playing football on the streets. "My father was a football player and I played in the hinterland as a boy, in school and on the streets with other kids. That is where I learnt football," he said.

Pele recalled his mother used to get angry with him for dirtying his clothes while playing in the rain. "We were not a rich family. My mother used to tell me if I damage my clothes, she will not give me a new football. I used to plead with her," he said. But it was those days that made him successful.

Meanwhile, a report in The New Indian Express says that the King of ‘Joga Bonito’ weaved his magic — not with his feet but with his words, adding that the effervescent Pele charmed Kolkata’s most famous sporting icon, Sourav Ganguly, making the former Indian cricket captain blush. “I am sitting next to the Prince of Kolkata,” quipped the 74-year-old. Ganguly was clearly in awe of the ‘Black Pearl’ and recollected memories of the Brazilian. “As a young man, I saw the film, ‘Giants of Brazil’. It is wonderful to meet the giant.

Ganguly continued his tribute, “He is an absolute legend and I’m extremely happy that he has come here again after 38 years. I think every sport and every country needs a sporting icon who can take the game to the world.” On improving the current state of Indian football, the Brazilian legend on Monday, said the authorities must focus on the grassroots — and ensure the game is loved and played by youngsters throughout the length and breadth of the country.

Areport in The Hindu that Pele had an evening to remember as he renewed his acquaintance with the players of the Mohun Bagan team which hosted him in 1977. Pele feted all the 13 players and coach P.K. Banerjee who were present to receive the honour from the greatest footballer on earth at the Netaji Indoor Stadium on Monday evening. Subrata Bhattacharya, the captain of the Bagan side then, called in his players to be felicitated by the owner of three World Cup crowns. The others players included the likes of Shibaji Banerjee, Prasoon Banerjee, Gautam Sarkar, Bidesh Bose, Shyam Thapa, and Pradip Choudhury.