Pele Will Seek Brazil Presidency in ’94

Brazilian soccer king Pele says he will run for president in 1994.

“My political career will begin in four years, but already I am feeling an itching and will be a candidate to succeed President (Fernando) Collor (de Mello),” Brazilian newspapers quoted him as saying.

Pele, whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, spoke to reporters Friday afternoon when he arrived at the stadium of the Santos Club.

He was at the stadium to begin training for a Oct. 31 game in Milan, Italy, to be played in honor of his 50th birthday.

“I want to begin my political career at the age of 54,” said the legendary soccer star, who played for Brazil’s national team when it won the World Cup three times between 1958 and 1970.

“I have no reason to start low,” said Pele, who has never held public office.

This was the third time Pele has announced his presidential aspirations.

Pele said he may start his own political party to make his candidacy viable, adding that democratic socialism would be ideal for Brazil, since it would guarantee both order and the right to an education.