'I Wish We Had More Players Like Bobby Around At The Moment'

Widely considered the greatest player of all time, Pele tells Blowing Bubbles about the World Cup in England and how he might have played for West Ham

- Jason Pettigrove

When you think of legends of the beautiful game, one name still stands above them all; Pele.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento’s achievements are often denigrated because of the way in which the game has changed over the years, and how Ronaldo, Messi and their ilk have moved football to ever greater heights.

But Pele was to football what Elvis was to music. The first true global superstar.

That he is still revered as an icon some 40 years after his last professional game (October 1, 1977 – NY Cosmos v Santos) says everything.

At 76-years-old, he is still as much in demand as he ever was, even if the endless rounds of signings, sponsor-led events and meet and greets are beginning to take a toll on him.

And yet, being the gentleman that he is, nothing is too much trouble for his adoring public.

Perhaps it is that above all which still endears him to those that are lucky enough to spend time in his company.

There is genuine warmth in the way in which he engages and his eyes light up if a question enthuses him. He isn’t shy in giving a strongly held opinion either.

When I asked him about Bobby Moore, surely West Ham and England’s greatest ever ambassador, his response wasn’t in the least bit surprising.

The iconic embrace that was shared in 1970 after Mooro’s magnificent 90 minutes against the samba stars of Brazil remains one of Pele’s fondest memories.

‘Bobby Moore was a great player, a talented player and I kept telling people “look at this guy, he’s like a Brazilian.’ Good ball control, great dribbling ability.’

They do say greatness always recognises greatness of course, and Pele still has Mooro right up there with the best to ever play the game.