Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , former Premier League centre-back and ex- Cabo Verde international Pele has given his verdict on the World Cup favourites and the players chasing greatness this summer.
Carrying one of the most famous names in football history, Pele has explained the story behind his nickname, why he believes this Brazil side no longer strike fear into opponents, and where the problem really lies for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal .
The defender has also named his favourites beyond Cabo Verde , revealed how opponents used his name against him, and delivered his verdict on the greatest of all time in the era of Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona .
The Name
How Did You Come to Be Called Pele?
Pele was just a nickname. All my friends at the time, when we were younger, we each had a nickname, and for me, it was just Pele , and I didn't mind that. I don't think it was because of my football. Yes, we did play a lot of football there, but it's just a name that stuck with me.
When I reached a certain level in my career, it became a point of interest. I remember signing for Southampton , and the club wanted me to wear the number 10 shirt. I said, I can't. That's a heavy shirt, and I am not a striker. I'm a defender! I'm a centre back! It's just the name Pele . Don't expect similar things to what Pele did because Pele was the king. I was only borrowing his name.
I don't mind it. I remember the media in Southampton made a big thing about it too, but I think as soon as they saw me play they all agreed he's not the real Pele . It's all part of the fun!
Did Opponents Enjoy Playing Against Pele?
There's always something in football you have to use whatever you have to your advantage to unsettle the other players and their abilities, so yes, being called Pele was something I could use, but some players used it against me too, but I never minded that. It's a compliment. I'm using a big name. I just might not have been as good as him!
World Cup Favourites
Can Brazil Win the World Cup?
Deep down I don't think Brazil can win the World Cup this year. I don't think this Brazil is the Brazil of 20 years ago, like the past Brazilian teams of old. It's a Brazil that no other nation really fears anymore. I think in the past you'd play against them and know you've got a game on your hands. Now they look like a team you will give you a chance.
I am rooting for Scotland against Brazil , and I hope they beat them.
Who Are Your Favourites Beyond Cabo Verde?
Obviously, Cabo Verde ! But I believe France are very strong and you've also got Argentina and Spain , who I still believe in despite their draw with Cabo Verde . I would love England to actually win it this summer because I live in the country and my family are all English and I'd love to join the celebration with them, but let's see.
We've also got Portugal , but something is missing there. The squad is unbelievable, but there's something a bit off about them as a team. Portugal are just not there.
Is Ronaldo the Problem For Portugal?
Is the problem Ronaldo , or is it that Portugal don't play to Ronaldo 's strengths? I think it's more a case of the second one because I noticed that some of the team are always looking to Ronaldo , but it can be too much. People say Ronaldo is the problem for Portugal and that Ronaldo didn't do much, but his movement was really good. He was making space for other players too.
Ronaldo 's problem is that some of the Portugal players don't look at the other options they could play. They are always looking for Ronaldo even when they have better options. I think that's down to the manager to find the right way because you've got an unbelievable squad there that he can challenge to win a World Cup .
Greatest of All Time
Who Is the Greatest of All Time?
I was fortunate to see Diego Maradona while he was still playing, and for me he was the best.
Growing up, I also watched Luis Figo , Rui Costa and all these other really high-level players, but at the level of Maradona or Pele , and I would stick with Maradona personally, but it's different eras. Now you've got Lionel Messi who is the closest to Maradona that I've seen, but all their names are great.
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