Pelé: It would have been incredible to play for Real Madrid

MadridistaReal have one of the best players of all time, by many even considered the best. 

MadridistaReal brings nothing more and nothing less than 'O Rei' Pelé. I am not going to introduce this publication by telling the footballer's career, since it is well known, as well as the legacy he left in the beautiful game.

Sharing a chat with him is gratifying and, even more so, when the element that guides the conversation is Real Madrid

MadridistaReal: For many, your name is the first at the top of the history of world football. Do you consider yourself the best footballer ever?

Pelé: It is a very difficult question. My awards and history speak for themselves. It is difficult to compare the different eras of the sport. There are many incredible players. I am honored to be considered the best .

MR: But did you perhaps leave your mark in Europe?

P: People who know the history of the sport also know that Santos traveled to Europe many times and not only that, he beat many of the great teams of the time. I don't think I needed to have played in Europe to prove anything. The game is very different now. Either way, I had offers from Europe, and I chose to stay home.

MR: One of those offers came from Bernabéu. Real Madrid was looking forward to your signing to replace Alfredo di Stèfano. Why was that never completed? You have repented?

P: As I answered in my last question, the desire to stay home was stronger. My future at home stronger. It would have been incredible to play in Madrid, such a story… but I don't regret staying and playing my career in Santos.

"It would have been incredible to play in Madrid, such a story ... but I don't regret staying in Santos"

MR: Even so, you did get to play at the Bernabéu. At the age of 19, you played a friendly against Real Madrid by Di Stèfano in Chamartín, in a tribute to Miguel Muñoz, and the whites won 5-3. What do you remember from that duel?

P: I remember the stadium. The followers. The city. Playing against Madrid was special.

MR: I would love to know your top 10 of the best players in the history of football.

P: Another difficult question. There will be more than 10 just in my time. I'll leave some to answer your question (laughs). Diego (Maradona), Alfredo (Di Stéfano), Trapatoni, Garrincha, Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Alberto… Zidane… Ronaldo… Iniesta… Today we are lucky. Cristiano is great. Messi is incredible. The future looks bright for Mbappé.

“Di Stéfano was one of the most complete. If there were more videos of him, it would be more popular"

MR: You mention Di Stéfano. How could you define him as a player?

P: Alfredo could well have been the most complete player of the time. He was fantastic. It's a shame there aren't enough videos of their performances, it would certainly be more popular. Without a doubt, it is one of the standards in what is considered the best.

MR: What assessment can you make of Ronaldo Nazario, probably the best "nine" of all time?

P: "The Phenomenon", his nickname says it all. Ronaldo, he could well be the best "9" of all time. He was amazing. The size, the speed, the skill, all fluid. I haven't seen that combination since.

“Ronaldo, he might as well be the best 9 of all time. He was amazing”

MR: In Vinícius and Rodrygo, not only Madrid have high hopes, but also Brazil. How far do you see them capable of going?

P: Rodrygo and Vinícius are part of the future of Brazil. They are both under a lot of pressure, I think they are handling it very well. Vinícius held back a bit to make sure it grew, which was the right decision. I saw Rodrygo in Santos and I think he can be very successful. I think both will continue to grow with Madrid. Your attitudes and work ethic will ultimately determine your success - you are both capable of great things.

MR: Like Rodrygo and Vinicius, there are many other Brazilian players who show ways, such as Paquetá, Reinier, Militao, etc. Which of all these young guys would you stick with and why?

P: Brazil is developing a lot of players at the moment at all levels. Our players in Europe are doing well, also at home. Congratulations to our U17 who were champion after winning the youth World Cup final. The future is bright for Brazil.

MR: You always praised Zidane as a player. How do you value him as a coach?

P: Zidane is very lucky to be so successful both on and off the field. Is not easy. The pressure to win is part of the history of Real Madrid and an expectation for all coaches. I think he has done an exemplary job: he manages the players because he knows he has been there, the players are lucky to have a coach with the experience that he hopes to get from them. It's hard to be very successful all the time. I hope he continues to keep Real Madrid at the top, it is not easy.

“Zidane has done an exemplary job. I hope he continues to keep Real Madrid at the top, it is not easy"

MR: And finally, I suppose you will be fed up with being made to choose between Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi. So, I will only focus on Portuguese. Is he for you the most complete player that has ever existed?

P: I have answered this question maybe a million times. While I consider Messi to be the best at the moment, I really enjoy watching Cristiano. He has become a great player… we are fortunate as fans to have him and Lionel fighting every week. It's good for both the fans and the sport. We may never see the two best of the era square off again again - let us enjoy it while we can.

Source from MadridistaReal