Football legend Pele meets Ribble Valley MP in Downing Street

WORLD Cup legend Pele was welcomed to 10 Downing Street by Ribble Valley MP and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans.

By The Newsroom

Published 9th Aug 2011, 10:00 BST

Pele was in London to launch the New York Cosmos Opus – a luxurious publication detailing the history of one of the most glamorous franchises in sporting history.

The world-famous Brazilian footballer and former Cosmos star was also on hand as children from one of Downing Sreet’s chosen charities – Street League – showed off their football skills in the garden of Downing Street. Street League improves the lives of disadvantaged children across the UK through football.

During his visit, Pele signed a New York Cosmos shirt for Mr Evans. Speaking after the event, Mr Evans said: “It was a pleasure to meet Pele – such a great footballer and an even greater ambassador for the game.

“I was so pleased for those children involved in Street League that they got the opportunity to play with Pele and the setting of the garden of No.10 could not have been better!”