At a media interaction organised by ATK, the team's co-owner Harsh Neotia asked him what is his advice would be for the Kolkata franchise and the three-time World Cup winner replied: "Always respect your opponents and to the people, you may be the best but you can always learn something."
"Football is the biggest family in the world and only in football you see this kind of love," Pele, who is known around the world for his humility, said in his message during his tour to India where he would spend three days in Kolkata before flying to Delhi for the Subroto Cup final.
ATK co-owners Sourav Ganguly, Sanjiv Goenka, Utsav Parekh and Neotia presented the 74-year-old an autographed jersey and an overwhelmed Pele said: "Thank you very much for this reception. I thank all of you from my heart and accept my thanks from all my fellow Brazilians."
Pele has returned to the city 38 years after he had enthralled the crowd with New York Cosmos in a 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan in an exhibition match at Eden Gardens.
"I see a new generation here... I thank God because I've received this kind of love because of the God's grace."
Ganguly regretted that they would not be able to watch Pele in action. "Hope we could see a bit of action but age catches up with everyone. It's a sporting mad city be it cricket or football. It will not change. I am sure you have fond memories of the reception 38 years ago," Ganguly told Pele.
"I could not see you live in action. I've seen you only in videos but it's an unbelievable sight to watch your skills on the field.
"When I was young, I saw a movie about Pele and now I'm getting to see the giant close. It's so special. I've been an avid football fan and watched him play."
Goenka said, "This is a historic visit. All of us welcome the living legend individually."
Remembering the 1977 visit, Neotia said he had seen him with his father whose travel agency was associated with tour.
For Parekh it was like a dream come true to sit next to Pele. "I see my dream coming into reality. I always dreamt of meeting you and today I'm sitting next to you. My dream is more than realised.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
