Dimitri Vernet 9:02 a.m., December 30, 2022
Pelé has known only two clubs in his career: Santos in Brazil and the New York Cosmos in the United States.
But his name has also been associated with France.
Indeed, in the 70s, we talk about Paris-Saint-Germain.
The capital club almost signed the Brazilian football star in the summer of 1971.
We are in 1971. PSG is then a small club, just promoted to the first division.
And to shine, the Reds and Blues have a dream: to sign the great Pelé.
The Parisian president at the time does not ask any questions.
He absolutely wants the Brazilian star, who died on Thursday at the age of 82.
"Pelé is a man in an absolutely extraordinary context. When Pelé appears, there is incredible enthusiasm. It's just if we wouldn't kiss the sidewalk behind each of his steps."
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Guy Crescent will travel to Brazil
Then there is this rumor circulating about the finances of the Santos FC club.
The creator of Paris Saint-Germain, Guy Crescent, therefore wastes no time.
He flew to Brazil and made an offer of 9 million francs to attract the services of the star, even suggesting, on his return to French soil, a possible agreement.
Except that Pelé has never worn the Paris Saint-Germain jersey.
Because yes, at the last moment, the Santos club backtracked and negotiated another much juicier contract for a tour of the United States.
Which will be enough to keep their legend Pelé and tear apart the Parisian proposal.
Not resentful, PSG paid tribute to Pelé on Thursday.
"Forever King of Football", they wrote, with a photo of the Brazilian star passing through the capital, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Forever King of Football
Paris Saint-Germain sends its condolences to friends, family and all the Brazilian people at this sad time.
Thank you for everything.
❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y6tu9lOCVD
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) December 29, 2022