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Pep Guardiola didn't hesitate when listing his six greatest players of all time

Daniel Marland

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| Last updated 

Pep Guardiola didn't hesitate when listing his six greatest players of all time

Pep Guardiola has named the six best players in football history while paying tribute to Pele.

The Brazil icon died on Thursday evening at the age of 82. Pele is the only player to win the World Cup three times and scored an astonishing 1281 goals in 1363 appearances across 21 years.

Tributes to Pele have poured in over the last 24 hours. A testament to how beloved he was on and off the pitch.

Naturally, it's been a hot topic in the press conferences of Premier League managers before this weekend's games.

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City manager Guardiola spoke at length about Pele's impact on the game ahead of his side's clash with Everton on Saturday.

While paying tribute to Pele, Guardiola named five other players that will be 'eternal' alongside the former Santos man.

On that prestigious list was Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Guardiola said those players made football 'a better place' while comparing Pele, who he never saw live, to a movie or television show.

"I never pretend to be Pele, honestly," he said. "I never saw him play, I spoke with people who said he was the greatest for them.

Pele is regarded as one of the best players ever. (Image Credit: Alamy)
Pele is regarded as one of the best players ever. (Image Credit: Alamy)

"What he has done, not just winning three World Cups, the goals and he was a new thing when he came up.

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"I was not born when he was playing. It's like a good movie, the legacy that we're still talking about him, about a good movie, a good book, because he was so good.

"Pele, [Diego] Maradona, [Johan] Cruyff, [Lionel] Messi, [Franz] Beckenbauer, Cristiano Ronaldo, these players will be eternal.

"They have done many things for many years, these types of players make our business, our job, a better place.

"What he produced for the feeling for the people. We have seen the World Cup, one team can produce for a country, it's incredible.

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Messi and Ronaldo are 'eternal' according to Guardiola. (Image Credit: Alamy)
Messi and Ronaldo are 'eternal' according to Guardiola. (Image Credit: Alamy)

"It's not another event can produce this emotion. This part of exceptional players can produce the emotion for the players."

City are currently second in the Premier League following a 3-1 victory over Leeds United on Wednesday evening.

A goal from Rodri in the first half and an Erling Haaland brace in the second was enough for the reigning champions to keep pace with leaders Arsenal, who are five points clear.

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Everton, meanwhile, are struggling under Frank Lampard. A 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday leaves the Toffees one point above the relegation zone.

Featured Image Credit: Football Daily & Alamy

Topics: Pep Guardiola, Pele, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo

Daniel Marland
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