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28 March 2024

Pele could return to play for Santos - report

Brazil legend Pele (left) autographs a Brazilian football shirt for young people from the charity 'Street League' in the gardens of 10 Downing Street in London, on Wednesday. (AFP)

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By Staff

Brazil football legend Pele could turn back the clock by playing for Santos at the Club World Cup, it has been reported.

The Brazilian club’s marketing executive Armeio Neto has refused to rule out the intriguing scenario of Pele playing against Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

‘Folha de Sao Paulo’ reports the club’s ambition would be to see the former striker return to action in a potential final against Spanish giants.

Neto believes having Messi and Pele on the same pitch as opponents would generate great financial interest in the event to be held in Japan.

And Neto confirmed the idea is not one to exclude, despite suggestions in Brazil that it is unlikely to happen.

“I don’t doubt anything,” Neto said.

“It also depends on the coach. If Pele is a boost to the team then why not?”
 
However, Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro has left the idea down to coach Muricy Ramalho.

“We still need to see what happens with the coach as it’s his decision,” said Ribeiro.
 
“Of course, even though Pele trains, he would not be able to play for a long time, but one can imagine him coming on at the end of the game to take a penalty.”
 
Pele, 70, has reportedly already started training so he can be fit in time for the tournament in December.

He retired in 1977 after playing an exhibition match between Santos and New York Cosmos at Giants Stadium.