DOHA, April 19 - Cristiano Ronaldo needs to stay
at his peak for another two years before he can be called one of
the world's greatest players, according to Pele.
The great Brazilian, who won three World Cups, told Reuters
the Portugal winger, who has been in inspired form for
Manchester United this season, was "one of the good players" but
it was too soon to call him one of the best in the world.
In a wide-ranging interview, Pele said: "To mention him as
one of the best players in the world is very soon... We have
Kaka, who plays very well, too...
"Four or five years ago, we had Ronaldinho in good shape. We
have to wait a little bit. Let's see, in one or two more years,
if they keep at the same level."
United manager Alex Ferguson recently compared Ronaldo's
skills to those of Pele and Diego Maradona, whose individual
talent inspired Argentina to win the World Cup in 1986.
Ferguson said Ronaldo, who last week agreed a new five-year
contract with the Premier League leaders, should try to emulate
the two South Americans.
Pele was speaking at the launch of Doha's Aspire Academy, a
programme to give talented African students a chance to study,
and train at one of the world's most advanced sports academies.
Turning to the World Cup, Pele sounded a note of caution
about Brazil's bid to host the 2014 finals, now unopposed since
the withdrawal of Colombia.
He cited the problems South Africa has faced since winning
the right to stage the 2010 tournament.
"Africa has a little problem because everybody fights -- and
everybody worked hard to see the World Cup in Africa -- and then
it's a little complicated, the situation there," he said.
VERY EXPENSIVE
"I hope Brazil will be prepared because today to organise a
World Cup is very expensive. It's very difficult because it's 32
countries, it's not so easy."
Asked about former England captain David Beckham's transfer
from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy at the end of the season, Pele
said he was not sure if it was a good move for the player but it
was good for soccer in the United States.
"I don't know if it's a good choice but for America it's a
fantastic promotion," said Pele, who starred for New York Cosmos
in the North American Soccer League in the 1970s.
"He could help the same as myself, (Franz) Beckenbauer,
Carlos Alberto and Georgio Chinaglia -- when we were all at the
end of our career we promoted football in the United States.
"Then I think George Best was in LA... where Beckham is
going to play... I hope he can help a lot though".
Pele also spoke in support of Maradona, recently readmitted
to hospital in Buenos Aires with alcohol-related problems.
"It's a shame because two years ago Maradona opened a
programme, a talk show, and I was there to help him with the
first programme," said Pele.
"At that time, he was very well. He had recovered.
Unfortunately, now he's back in hospital.
"It's difficult to say exactly what happened because before
it was drugs and now the doctors say it's alcohol... but I feel
very sorry for him being in hospital."