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Pele is a living legend within and outside Brazil. But the World Cup legend has come under fire in his home country for seemingly being out of touch with the plight of ordinary Brazilians and for criticizing the protests.
But tonight BBC South American football expert Tim Vickery told us that Pele has now qualified some of his previous statements.
"He's changing his tune a little bit because now he's saying that he understands the reason why for the protests. He understands that the organisation of the World Cup has not been good, that the stadiums have cost much more than they should have done. So he's modified his position a little bit, I think because he's perceived that some of his previous declarations, when he's criticized the protests, have gone down very, very badly," said Tim, saying that Ronaldo and Pele have been singled out by angry protesters.
"His greatness as a player is not in dispute and in that sense he is every national hero you can imagine rolled into one. He's very cold and rational Pele which makes for a complete contrast to his former team-mate Garrincha. Garrincha ended up being very self-destructive and more impulsive. Pele right from the start has been coldly rational and he's known which side his bread is buttered. He's usually been on the side of power," Tim explained.
For that reason, it is harder for ordinary Brazilians to relate to him, although he is now trying to put out any fires that may have started after his criticism of the protesters.
Tim also explained the mood in the country with the World Cup less than a month away and with so many government promises falling by the wayside.
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