More than 30 years after his own heralded arrival to bring popularity to soccer in the United States, Pele has some unflattering opinions on the newest MLS star.
“David Beckham is more of a pop star than a player,” said Pele in an interview Sunday in a German newspaper.
In the article, the Brazilian soccer legend questioned Beckham’s focus on the game and his wife, and advised the Los Angeles Galaxy star to wait until his days off to “stroll through Hollywood.”
“From my experience, I would advise him to be very well-prepared for the matches,” said Pele, who joined the New York Cosmos in 1975.
Pele acknowledged Victoria Beckham’s contribution to improving the image of the sport through her own celebrity, but said her husband must lift the sport.
“He must give the right answers on the pitch. That is not Victoria’s business.”
