Ex-footballer Anadi Barua says Pele's India visit will inspire youngsters

Expressing delight over Pele's visit to India, former Indian footballer Anadi Barua has said that the presence of the Brazilian legend will be a great source of motivation for the young Indian footballers.

The former Indian international insisted that it was great to see a legend like Pele coming to the 'sleeping giant of world football' after a long gap of 38 years.

He, however, added that it was disappointing that Pele's former club Santos FC could not participate in the ongoing Subroto Cup because of dengue scare.

Pele's three-day tour will kick-start on Monday with him revisiting the historic Eden Gardens ground, where the city's football fans had seen Pele playing in a friendly exhibition match for American side New York Cosmos against local powerhouse Mohun Bagan in 1977.

On Tuesday, Pele will be the guest of honour at the Indian Super League (ISL) defending champions Atletico de Kolkata's home game against Kerala Blasters.

Pele won three World Cups as a player and has been named Football Player of the Century by FIFA, Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and a national treasure by Brazil's government.

.