Sports

Banks was magical – Pele

Published

5 years ago

February 13, 2019

World Cup winner Gordon Banks was a “ goalkeeper with magic” , says Brazil legend Pele , after the former England goalkeeper died at the age of 81 .The football world has been paying tribute to Banks , a world champion in 1966 but best remembered for a save that denied Pele in the 1970 World Cup.

But iconic forward Pele , 78 , said he was “ glad ” his header was kept out .

“ That act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure , ” he said .

“ Whenever we met , it was always like we had never been apart . ”

Three- time World Cup winner Pele said on social media , “ I have great sadness in my heart today and I send condolences to the family he was so proud of.

“ Rest in peace , my friend . Yes , you were a goalkeeper with magic . But you were also so much more . You were a fine human being . ”

Banks ’ save to deny Pele 49 years ago has been described as the ‘ save of the century ’ and Pele has previously admitted he thought he had scored.

“ For many people , their memory of Gordon Banks is defined by the save he made against me in 1970 . I understand why, ” Pele added .