Pele's tryst with 'football capital' of India

Much before Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' moment stirred the football passion in Bengal, it was the Brazilian legend Pele who began the region's tryst with the 'beautiful game'.

Playing against Mohun Bagan at a jam-packed Eden Gardens in September 1977, the three-time World Cup winner was overwhelmed by the depth of talent the Indian club possessed.

Desperately seeking a revival after the dominance of arch-rivals East Bengal, Mohun Bagan not only stopped the 'King of Football' from scoring a goal but almost won 2-1 before a controversial penalty made it a 2-2 draw against the star-studded New York Cosmos.

But that wasn't the only visit Pele made to Kolkata.

In 2015, he was in the city during the Durga Puja festive period. Pele left even the former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, a Brazil fan, mesmerised by his aura.

Speaking at the event, the King of Football told his audience then that he accepted to come to India because he loves the people in the country.

Also read - Pele: Football Icon, Brazilian Hero & Sporting Legend