There aren’t many bigger names in football history than Pele.
The Brazilian remains the only man to win three World Cups, and, by many, he’s regarded as the greatest footballer of all-time.
Pele was a true legend of the game, but, sadly, he never made his way to Europe, spending almost the entirety of his career over in Brazil with Santos before a move to New York Cosmos late in his career.
Pele never came to Europe, and that has to be considered one of the biggest missed opportunities in the history of the game.
However, Pele has always been a fan of the English game, and speaking back in 2015, the Brazilian legend named which Premier League team he’d most liked to have signed for.
Pele would have signed for Arsenal
Pele was asked in 2015 which English team he’d have most liked to have played for.
Of course, back in the 1960s when Pele was in his prime, Manchester United were the top team in England, winning the European Cup in 1968.
Manchester United’s all-time XI is made up of legends of the 1960s.
However, according to Pele, the team he would’ve liked to have signed for was Arsenal
“Arsenal is a good team to play with. I would play for Arsenal if I had a chance,” Pele said to The Telegraph.
Arsenal have missed out on some great players over the years – Ruud Gullit was on trial at Arsenal once, but Pele was a level above even someone like Gullit.
The time Pele visited Arsenal
Pele never signed for Arsenal, but, interestingly, he did visit Highbury in 1981, via Arsenal’s website.
Indeed, Pele was a special guest of honour for Arsenal’s game against Aston Villa back in 1981 and he was given a great reception by the crowd.
Pele may not have been an Arsenal player, but he does have a few links to the club.
Legendary Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger paid tribute to Pele back in 2022 after his death.
“We have met many times, he is a wonderful person and he was the greatest of all. There is no doubt about it,” Wenger said.
In his pomp, Pele was undoubtedly the best footballer on the planet, and he remains one of the most legendary figures in football history, and, in another world, he could’ve been a superstar for Arsenal.
Arsenal want a new striker this summer, and they’ll be lucky to find a player with even half of the ability that Pele had.
