Brazil legend Pelé has praised former Manchester United star George Best by claiming the Irishman had the talent of a Brazilian.
A month-long exhibition has been opened at São Paulo’s Morumbi Stadium featuring George Best memorabilia, including medals, awards, shirts, letters and photographs.
The George Best Foundation are in charge of the exhibition, which is run by George"s sister Barbara McNarry and her husband Norman.
The display is sure to prove a hit with Brazilian fans of Best, including Pelé who said he was “an unbelievable player".
Pelé said: “You know, not long before he died [in 2005] we met in London. His father was there.
“To me he never looked like a European. He was a Latin player – a Brazilian player."
Best was once quoted as saying: “Pelé called me the greatest footballer in the world. That is the ultimate salute to my life."
Northern Ireland"s First and Deputy First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness opened the exhibition during a five-day trip to Brazil last week.
“One of our most charismatic sports personalities ever was the legendary George Best who thrilled soccer fans all over the world," Robinson said.
McGuinness added: “There is no better place to start our relationship with the Brazilian people than through our shared passion for football.
“The great Brazilian footballer Pelé said ‘George was the greatest footballer in the world".
“It"s a great honour to bring the George Best exhibition to an audience that holds him in such high esteem and to have this opportunity to support George"s family"s aims through the George Best Foundation."
Source: Belfast Telegraph
