Brazilian legend Pele has made comments that are sure to
generate massive controversy in the footballing world, after he
indicated that Ronaldo and Robinho took drugs at a private event in
Sao Paulo with businessmen in the tourist sector.
Pele is currently appearing in court in relation to a case
involving his son Edinho, who has confessed to being addicted to
cocaine. According to the radio station Jovem Pan, Pele
told the court, "It is unfair to talk about drugs in football
because of just one or two cases, like Ronaldo and Robinho, who
have that problem."
Pele also criticised his old foe Diego Maradona, presently the
coach of Argentina, for being a
"negative example".
"He was an excellent player but unfortunately everyone can see what
he has done with his life," the Santos icon said.
He then cited Kaka, Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer as ideal
role models to follow, stressing that these types of figures in
world football more than make up for the less savoury side of the
sport.
"Kaka is an example of a great role model, and beside him there are
others like Platini, Beckenbauer and many others," Pele said.
"There are a lot of good people and it is unfair to focus on an
isolated case."