Football legend Pele sent a special video message for Atletico de Kolkata fans ahead of the start of the Indian Super League. Pele is confirmed to attend Atletico de Kolkata’s first home game against at the Saltlake Stadium on 13 October. The Brazilian legend will visit India after 38 years. Last time Pele was in India during his playing days with New York Cosmos against Mohun Bagan. That game had ended in a 2-2 draw at the Eden Gardens.
In a video message, Pele said: “I am very happy to attend Atletico de Kolkata’s first home match. I am looking forward to visiting the Salt Lake stadium and meeting the players and the fans, ‘fatafati football’.”
Atletico de Kolkata co-owner Sanjiv Goenka confirmed the news,a nd also told the media a private lunch will also be hosted for Pele with Atletico de Kolkata players and management also joining them.
“He’ll be here for two days and there will be a series of activities with him. There’s going to be a very select, very special and very small private lunch with him. You will see him on more than one occasion.
“Pele will be here for our first home match and he will sit through the entire 90-minute duration to cheer ATK. He’s going to spend time on the pitch,” Goenka said.