FORMER England international Steve Hunt, who lives on the Isle of Wight, can boast that he played alongside Brazilian football legend Pele, whose death was sadly announced today (Thursday) aged 82.
Pele officially scored 757 goals in 831 games during a career from 1957 to 1977, 37 of which came during his time at Steve’s New York Cosmos.
Birmingham-born Steve, 66, who has been living on the Island for more than 20 years, represented teams across the midlands during his playing days, including Aston Villa, Coventry and West Bromwich Albion.
Steve’s biggest success was when he crossed the pond to star for the Cosmos, playing alongside teammates Pele, Carlos Alberto and Franz Beckenbauer.
- Read the full interview: Steve Hunt — a top flight midfielder who played with Pele and Beckenbauer
Speaking to the County Press’ Jon Moreno last year, Steve said the most memorable match he played in was the American Soccerbowl ’77, which was Pele’s last competitive game – with Steve scooping the ‘man of the match’ award in his side’s victory.
He said: “Playing for the Cosmos was a fantastic experience — particularly to play alongside some of the world’s greatest players.”
Steve went on to manage Cowes Sports between 2017 and 2018, and worked as a school caretaker at Bembridge Primary School.
He released his autobiography 'I'm with the Cosmos' last year, where Pele is quoted as saying: "I like playing with Steve because he plays the same style I do."
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