DOHA, April 19 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo needs to stay at
his peak for another two years before he can be called one of the
world's greatest players, according to Pele.
The great Brazilian, who won three World Cups, said the Portugal
winger, who has been in inspired form for Manchester United this
season, was 'one of the good players' but it was too soon to call
him one of the best in the world.
In a wide-ranging interview, Pele said: 'To mention him as one of
the best players in the world is very soon... We have Kaka, who
plays very well, too...
'Four or five years ago, we had Ronaldinho in good shape. We have
to wait a little bit. Let's see, in one or two more years, if they
keep at the same level.'
United manager Alex Ferguson recently compared Ronaldo's skills to
those of Pele and Diego Maradona, whose individual talent inspired
Argentina to win the World Cup in 1986.
Ferguson said Ronaldo, who last week agreed a new five-year
contract with the Premier League leaders, should try to emulate the
two South Americans.
Pele was speaking at the launch of Doha's Aspire Academy, a
programme to give talented African students a chance to study, and
train at one of the world's most advanced sports academies.
Turning to the World Cup, Pele sounded a note of caution about
Brazil's bid to host the 2014 finals, now unopposed since the
withdrawal of Colombia.
He cited the problems South Africa has faced since winning the
right to stage the 2010 tournament.
'Africa has a little problem because everybody fights - and
everybody worked hard to see the World Cup in Africa - and then
it's a little complicated, the situation there,' he said.
'I hope Brazil will be prepared because today to organise a World
Cup is very expensive. It's very difficult because it's 32
countries, it's not so easy.'
Asked about former England captain David Beckham's transfer from
Real Madrid to LA Galaxy at the end of the season, Pele said he was
not sure if it was a good move for the player but it was good for
soccer in the United States.
'I don't know if it's a good choice but for America it's a
fantastic promotion,' said Pele, who starred for New York Cosmos in
the North American Soccer League in the 1970s.
'He could help the same as myself, (Franz) Beckenbauer, Carlos
Alberto and Georgio Chinaglia - when we were all at the end of our
career we promoted football in the United States.
'Then I think George Best was in LA... where Beckham is going to
play... I hope he can help a lot though'.
Pele also spoke in support of Maradona, recently readmitted to
hospital in Buenos Aires with alcohol-related problems.
'It's a shame because two years ago Maradona opened a programme, a
talk show, and I was there to help him with the first programme,'
said Pele.
'At that time, he was very well. He had recovered. Unfortunately,
now he's back in hospital.
'It's difficult to say exactly what happened because before it was
drugs and now the doctors say it's alcohol... but I feel very sorry
for him being in hospital.'
ps, my 1st time posting dis
personally, Pele talks too much.
