Maradona or Pele: Sir Alex's verdict
Updated on 31 October 2008
Sir Alex Ferguson today revealed how the appointment of Maradona as Argentina's new manager sparked debate in the Old Trafford dressing room about who was the greatest ever footballer.
The Manchester United boss said it was a tight contest between Maradona and his Brazilian counterpart Pele.
Ferguson said: "There was a great debate in the dressing room about who was the best player in the world. It was a great discussion - I think they are still fighting over it!
"I think it depends what era you were brought up in. The arguments go on, and on, and on.
"Maradona and Pele are the two greatest players in the world - and I would put di Stefano in there as well.
"Both Maradona and Pele were World Cup winners, and both of them played for their countries as just 17.
'Both Maradona and Pele were World Cup winners, and both of them played for their countries as just 17.'Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
"People talk about not being able to compare different eras. I scored goals in Scotland and people say that defending in the 50s was not the same as the 80s.
"But for example, players now have the advantage of modern technology and fitness techniques.
"Great players are always great players - they can play in any era.
"Maradona has tremendous close control and could drive through. He put the bait out in front of defenders and dared them to tackle him.
"He had such great courage. That's what great players do - they are prepared to play the ball against tough defending.
"And both players have lit up games with their goal-scoring. I know it was against a second or third division team [England] in 1986 but it was a great goal - the second one!
"And Pele's header against Italy in the World Cup Final was tremendous."
