Authorities need to work at base level to lift Indian football, says Pele

Kolkata, Oct 12 (ANI): Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele said on Monday (October 12) that to develop the game in a cricket obsessed nation like India, the work needs to begin at grassroots level as it will help lift the sport. Pele, who is in India on a week-long visit, was speaking at a news conference in Kolkata where Sourav Ganguly was also present. Meanwhile, Pele was overwhelmed with the response he got when he arrived in Kolkata on Sunday (October 11), after a long gap of 38 years. The 74-year-old Brazilian last visited Kolkata in 1977 with former club New York Cosmos, when they played in a 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan, and charmed his fans with his incredible moves on the field. When asked to name the best footballer in the world at present, Pele said Lionel Messi was the best player in the last 10 years. Pele will also visit New Delhi on October 14 and will attend the finals of Subroto Cup on October 16.