Pele Says Maradona Is Washed Up

Three-time World Cup winner Pele said Wednesday that Argentina’s Diego Maradona is so far past his best he should not even play in this summer’s World Cup.

Pele, who helped Brazil win the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970, said Maradona is only a shadow of the player who led Argentina to the World Cup title in 1986 and to second-place in Italy four years ago.

“I tried to talk to his friends and his manager two years ago and advise him to stop playing because he’s not at his best,” Pele said. “Now, he keeps trying.

“I don’t think he’s going to be in the best condition to play in this World Cup like he played before. I don’t think that he’s mentally and psychologically prepared for the World Cup. I feel sorry, because he’s a great player.”