Sheffield FC Gets Pele To Celebrate Its 150th Anniversary, Cover Up Ludicrous Comments

The oldest organized soccer club, Sheffield F.C. is celebrating its 150th anniversary in style. According to Sheffield’s chairman Richard Tims, they’re bringing out legendary Brazilian striker Pele to watch their friendly match against Serie A’s Inter Milan, which is the only way they’d ever play the Italian powerhouse. The team is currently playing in the UniBond First Division South, which is one step above the London prison league. That is why this quote from Tims about Pele’s visit befuddles us.

“I think that he’s quite honoured to be invited to mark 150 years of the game. This is the place football kicked off.”

Wait, we think that’s supposed to be the other way around. Tims continued…

“Sheffield FC is a powerful brand. We’re trying to become everyone’s second favourite football team, so whether you support Bolton Wanderers or Boca Juniors, you can still support the world’s oldest football club.”

Oof, when you’re aiming to be second best, then maybe it’s time to think of a new strategy. Winning’s a thought, but claiming you were the first to play soccer may not be.

“I’m not saying that without Sheffield FC there wouldn’t have been football, but we were there first.”

If you want to take credit for being the first to kick a ball in a net, we know of a few cultures that might have an issue with that.
Pele joins Sheffield celebrations [BBC]
Image [soccernet.espn.com]