Arguably one of the greatest players of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento aka Pele is the latest to chip in on Brazilian starlet Neymar’s transfer saga. The 69 year old legend is apparently trying to persuade the teenager to remain in Brazil at least until his game has matured enough.
After watching one of the country’s best talent (Robinho) under perform in Europe, Pele is not prepared to see another talent ruined and neither am i. The Santos forward is regarded as the Selecao’s main hope when they host the World Cup in 4 years time.
Pele is obviously concerned about the future of Brazilian football and he should because the country twice went into the World Cup 2006 and 2010 as favourites and failed to make it past the quarter final stages.
Looking for that 6th World title which will cement their status as the most successful football nation of all time is becoming a very daunting task as the years go by.
Brazil are also looking to win the World Cup on home soil for the very first time. The Samba nation were hosts of this tournament back in 1950 losing out to Uruguay in the final.
A lot of hope has been heaped on the young shoulders of Neymar, Pato and Ganso with many already believing that this current crop of players could match the greats of 1970, 1982 and 2002.
I completely agree with Pele. Leaving Santos will not be the best decision, however, with the game being largely influenced by money, its only a matter of time before Santos give in to Chelsea’s financial might. I do hope though, that it takes longer than expected.
Photo credit: from desbyrnephotos
