Pele will prove Liverpool-Manchester United remains English soccer’s biggest game. Not that any further evidence is necessary.
The Brazilian legend will attend Sunday’s Premier League game between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield, the Liverpool Echo, the Mail and the Mirror reported Wednesday. Pele will witness the Reds and Red Devils face off with pole position for a top-four finish in the Premier League at stake.
Pele reportedly will represent Subway Restaurants, Liverpool’s official training food partner, with which he also has an endorsement agreement.
The 74-year-old won’t be kicking any balls competitively like he did in his most high-profile visit to Liverpool. Pele played two games for Brazil at Everton’s Goodison Park in the 1966 FIFA World Cup. He scored in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Bulgaria in his country’s World Cup opener. Injury prevented Pele from playing in Brazil’s loss to Hungary, but he returned for Brazil-Portugal and hobbled through most of his country’s defeat.
However, Pele could use his scout’s eye at Anfield, as Brazilians Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva both could play for Liverpool against Manchester United. Coutinho has earned a place in the latest Brazil squad. Lucas is fighting his way back from injury and hopes to work his way up head coach Dunga’s midfield pecking order. Fine performances against Manchester United and a recommendation from Pele himself could further their international prospects.
Pele could reinforce Anfield’s image as a premier destination for soccer tourism if he enjoys himself and talks publicly about his experience in Liverpool.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@br_uk
