Pele REFUSES to do World Cup draw amid fears he'll give Brazil horror group
By BRIAN HOMEWOOD, REUTERS
PUBLISHED: 19:48 GMT, 4 December 2013 | UPDATED: 19:50 GMT, 4 December 2013
Pele will not be taking Friday's World Cup draw after rejecting the opportunity to do so through fears of landing Brazil in a difficult group. He will, however, be in the audience for the occasion, and confirmed that it was his decision not to take part. 'President Dilma (Rousseff) suggested that I represent Brazil when it came to pulling the balls out of the pots, which I've done several times before,' Pele said.
Nervous? Brazil great Pele is concerned about the possibility of his country landing a difficult group
'I preferred to turn down the offer because I wouldn't feel comfortable in picking out balls which are not favourable to Brazil.'Pele has earned a reputation in Brazil as a 'pe-frio', literally 'cold foot', although he gave a sarcastic response when asked about it.
'I won five world titles, two with Santos and three with the national team and I scored more than one thousand goals, so you're right, I'm a cold foot,' he said.
Popular figure: The retired striker, pictured alongside US swimmer Michael Phelps, is still a hero in Brazil
Waved off: But Pele will still be in the audience when the World Cup draw takes place on Friday
All smiles: Michael Phelps (left) and Pele are popular figures for their contributions to their respective sports
'I will be there, God willing. I will give interviews, accompany the delegations from abroad and do what is necessary, representing President Dilma.'
Draw organisers said on Monday that Pele would make an appearance in some shape or form, adding that he would provide the 'wow factor'.
PUBLISHED: 19:48 GMT, 4 December 2013 | UPDATED: 19:50 GMT, 4 December 2013
Pele will not be taking Friday's World Cup draw after rejecting the opportunity to do so through fears of landing Brazil in a difficult group. He will, however, be in the audience for the occasion, and confirmed that it was his decision not to take part. 'President Dilma (Rousseff) suggested that I represent Brazil when it came to pulling the balls out of the pots, which I've done several times before,' Pele said.
Nervous? Brazil great Pele is concerned about the possibility of his country landing a difficult group
'I preferred to turn down the offer because I wouldn't feel comfortable in picking out balls which are not favourable to Brazil.'Pele has earned a reputation in Brazil as a 'pe-frio', literally 'cold foot', although he gave a sarcastic response when asked about it.
'I won five world titles, two with Santos and three with the national team and I scored more than one thousand goals, so you're right, I'm a cold foot,' he said.
Popular figure: The retired striker, pictured alongside US swimmer Michael Phelps, is still a hero in Brazil
Waved off: But Pele will still be in the audience when the World Cup draw takes place on Friday
All smiles: Michael Phelps (left) and Pele are popular figures for their contributions to their respective sports
'I will be there, God willing. I will give interviews, accompany the delegations from abroad and do what is necessary, representing President Dilma.'
Draw organisers said on Monday that Pele would make an appearance in some shape or form, adding that he would provide the 'wow factor'.
