Pelé, one of the greatest soccer players of all time, sadly passed away at the age of 82.
The Brazilian icon had been battling the disease for some time before finally succumbing to his illness today. Tributes have been pouring in from around the world to the soccer legend who plied his trade in his native Brazil.
Inspiration and love marked the path of Rei Pelé, who passed away today.
Love, love and love, forever… Inspiration and love marked the path of King Pelé, who passed away peacefully today.
Love, love and love, forever. pic.twitter.com/CP9syIdL3i
– Pelé (@Pele) December 29, 2022
Pelé won a record three World Cup titles and is considered by many to be the greatest player to ever kick a soccer ball.
What many may not know is that Pelé, by his own admission, could have become a Manchester United player.
In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Pele publicly admitted once receiving an offer from United to join George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton to form the world’s deadliest attacking foursome.
He also mentioned that in addition to United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Milan, there were countless other Mexican clubs also in the running for his illustrious signing.
The Guardian asked the world’s most famous sporting hero if he was tempted by offers from Europe’s elite clubs. He cheerfully replied: “Manchester! I even had a proposal from Manchester United.”
The former Santos superstar reiterated that the Red Devils’ offer came in 1968, two years before the 1970 World Cup.
“Pelé went on to say that he turned down United because he wanted to stay in Brazil with Santos. His presence at Old Trafford would have changed English football history and made United an even greater superpower.”
Asked if he regrets turning down United’s offer, the Brazilian added: “No, no, no. I said no to all the teams that asked me. Real Madrid was the best team that loved me. They were a very good team. But I didn’t want to leave Santos.”
Pele’s explosive admission came as a surprise to Mark Whiley, United’s museum curator at the time, who was also stunned by his revelation.
Whiley said nothing in the club’s old records and files points to United being an interested party in Pele’s services.
However, Wilf McGuinness, who worked as Sir Matt Busby’s right-hand man before taking over as United boss in 1969, opined that the reserved Busby, who liked to keep his cards close to his chest, might as well have been in dialogue. with Pelé about a sensational change to the Theater of Dreams.
United fans will always be left fantasizing about what could have been! Our condolences go out to Pelé’s loved ones, the Brazilian people and those affected by his death.
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