SANTOSH, July 18 � It was an unique experience visiting the Pele�s museum, Museu Pele, in Santosh. The port city is about 60 kms away from Sao Paulo and takes 1.15 hours by bus. The entire rout is very picturesque surrounded by green hills having several tunnels. Like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janerio, Santosh is also a hilly station.
Pele, the living legend, himself inaugurated the museum on June 15. Inaugurating the museum he said, �Mementos into one place was a dream come true. I am proud to represent the city and the country�.
The museum is very near to the bus terminus. I was given a free entry after showing the FIFA World Cup accreditation card. It was unbelievable to see the memorabilia of Pele like his boots used during the 1970 Mexico World Cup, the first pair of socks he was given by Santosh, his first contract form with Santosh which he signed in 1956, numerous trophies and medals, his Santosh jerseys, the ball made of socks during Pele�s childhood, the shoe polish box which he used to earn money and many more.
The five storied museum is however yet to be completed as the top two blocks are almost lying empty. The officials employed there informed that Pele has agreed to donate more things to the museum and within a year it is likely to be completed.
I asked the officials about Pele�s residence as I wanted to have glimpses of the holy place for football fans. But they informed that now Pele stays in a nearby island and it is very difficult to visit his home there. But they informed that the home of �The King� where he lived with his family, near Ponta da Praia have been demolished.
After visiting Pele�s museum, I left for the Santosh Club where Pele began his career at the age of 16 in 1956 and played till 1974, rejecting European offers. It is about three kms away from the museum and situated at the heart of the city.
The officials allowed me to enter into their office room which is decorated with various trophies and memorabilia of the club.
