Pele lauds Leicester

LONDON. — Have you ever wondered what the world’s greatest ever soccer player thinks about Leicester City closing in on the English Premier League title?

Wonder no more: three-time World Cup-winning Brazilian great Pele insists the Foxes’ fantastic season is NOT a surprise.

Claudio Ranieri’s men sensationally lead the title race by seven points above Tottenham, needing just three more wins to seal the historic feat.

And should they do it, it will go down as one of the most remarkable achievements in football history.

Yet Pele, considered by many to be football’s finest ever, insists it is wonderful to see — but says it is by no means a shock.

Even if Leicester’s potential success does come at the expense of the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.

“For many people this is a surprise. But for me, this is football,” said Pele.

“Football is a box of surprises. The English Premier League is the best league in the world, so you expect this level of competition.

“Sometimes the top teams, the strongest teams don’t win.

“Leicester are a huge surprise because there are no big names in that side. But they are very organised and hard-work- ing.”

Pele admits he would love to watch more of Leicester, but due to his busy schedule he doesn’t see as much English Premier League football as he would like.

But he did reveal Liverpool’s Brazilian ace Philipe Coutinho is one player who he always looks out for, while singling out Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Dele Alli as stars of the future.

“I travel so much, I don’t get the opportunity to watch too many Premier League matches,” admitted the legendary striker.

“But I watch some of the big games, the highlights and always the best goals.

“Coutinho is a player that I follow, along with many other Brazilians that play in the league.

“Some young players like Harry Kane, Dele Alli represent the new generation for the England national team.”

The 75-year-old icon will be heading to England in June for three exclusive evenings dedicated in his honour, organised by Simply Prestige Events.

Pele visits London, where he will be interviewed by Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler, before heading to Birmingham and Manchester as he looks to raise money for the Football for Peace project from the black-tie ceremonies.

“It’s always a pleasure for me to come to England,” he said. — The Mirror.