Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1081437
maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 13 FEBRUARY 2019 21 SPORTS FOOTBALL BRAZIL legend Pele described ex-Eng- land international Gordon Banks as a "goalkeeper with magic" after the 1966 World Cup winner died at the age of 81. The football world has been paying tribute to Banks, a world champion 53 years ago but best remembered for a save from Pele at the 1970 World Cup. But iconic forward Pele said he was "glad" his header was kept out. "That act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure," the 78-year-old 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 sad- ness in my heart today and I send condo- lences 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 hu- man being." Banks' save to deny Pele 49 years ago has been described as the 'save of the century' and Pele has previously admit- ted 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. "The save was one of the best I have ever seen - in real life and in all the thou- sands of games I have watched since. "When you are a footballer, you know straight away how well you have hit the ball. I hit that header exactly as I had hoped. Exactly where I wanted it to go. And I was ready to celebrate. "But then this man, Banks, appeared in my sight, like a kind of blue phantom, is how I described him. "He came from nowhere and he did something I didn't feel was possible. He pushed my header, somehow, up and over. And I couldn't believe what I saw. Even now when I watch it, I can't believe it. I can't believe how he moved so far, so fast. "I scored so many goals in my life, but many people, when they meet me, al- ways ask me about that save. While it was indeed phenomenal, my memory of Gordon is not defined by that - it is defined by his friendship. He was a kind and warm man who gave so much to people. "So I am glad he saved my header - be- cause that act was the start of a friend- ship between us that I will always treas- ure." Pele (left) said he thought he had scored in the match against England, only for Banks to deny him Gordon Banks was a goalkeeper with magic - Pele