Pele to visit iconic Eden Gardens after 38 years

BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL LEGEND Pele, who would be in the city from October 11 to 13, is slated to revisit the historic Eden Gardens where he had played against local powerhouse Mohun Bagan in 1977, the "Legends tour of India" organisers said on Tuesday.

Pele, playing for American side New York Cosmos, featured in an exhibition match against Mohun Bagan at the Eden where the game ended 2-2.

"We thought of making a stop at the Eden Gardens, on our way to Netaji Indoor stadium so that he (Pele) can revisit the ground 38 years after playing a match there. We are planning to combine a bit of cricket with football," cricket historian and one of those involved in getting Pele here, Boria Majumder, told the media.

Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) treasurer Biswaroop Dey said:

"Jagmohan Dalmiya and we were making plans to have him here, now that he is not there we will try and put our best efforts to make it memorable for Pele."

At the Netaji Indoor stadium, which is a stone's throw away from Eden, all members of the Mohun Bagan team which played against the Brazilian superstar would be present and would get a chance to interact with him.

The team members would be felicitated by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Pele.

In another event, tennis star Rafael Nadal will be live on a chat show where former India captain Sourav Ganguly hosts the football legend.

The organisers also said there were no concerns regarding Pele's health.

Pele in a video message, said: "Hoping to meet you in Durga Puja."

It has also been learnt that the city's renowned sweet-makers Balaram Mullick would make a 75-pound cake for the legend who would turn 75 in a few days time.