Thursday, Mar 11, 2010
Gulf News
Abu Dhabi Lionel Messi is most often touted as the prince of modern-day football, but for German legend Franz Beckenbauer, Pele will always remain the undisputed king of the sport.
Speaking at a 11th hour press conference ahead of last night's Laureus World Sports Awards, Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup as both player and coach, said he had the chance to experience Pele first hand during their time at the New York Cosmos.
Beckenbauer said: "Pele is the best player in the history of the sport for me.
"I had a chance to play alongside him for a year at the New York Cosmos in 1977." Meanwhile, Capello praised the triumvirate of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney for lighting up today's football.
"Messi and Rooney are two best players at the moment. The style of these two players is completely different — one is fast with a lot of imagination, while the other [Rooney] is strong this year."
By Duane Fonseca
Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.
