Football Legend

AFTER hanging up his boots aged 40, a Finnish football legend is making his return 15 years later. Jari Litmanen, 55, has been unveiled by Tallinna Kalev's third team in Estonia. Once an Ajax legend - who was instrumental in their Champions League victory in 1995 - Litmanen last played professionally for HJK Helsinki in...

This is a special episode celebrating the life on and off the pitch of arguably the greatest player ever, Pelé. Aaron Paul is joined by those who played against him, idolized him and interviewed him as they reflect on an incredible career of a true footballing legend. Former England midfielder, Alan Mullery – who played against Pelé in the 1970 World Cup tells Aaron his memories of playing with the great man, not once, not twice, but three times. South American football expert Tim Vickery gives his thoughts from Brazil as the country reacts to the news and we hear from Wales football legend Cliff Jones who faced Pelé in his first World Cup in 1958. Gary Lineker gives his tribute, as does legendary commentator Barry Davies and chief football writer at the Times, Henry Winter - who have both watched Pelé and interviewed him during their careers. Not only that, we hear from the man himself and if he thinks he’s the greatest player of all time… Timecodes: 3’00 – Tim Vickery from Brazil. 8’22 – Cliff Jones on playing against Pelé in the 1958 World Cup. 10’00 – Pelé interview. 13’00 – Clive Toye, general manager of the New York Cosmos. 18’00 – Gary Lineker tribute. 21’00 – Barry Davies reflections. 28’00 – Alan Mullery on playing against Pelé and being his friend. 35’00 – Henry Winter on interviewing Pelé.

In this special episode of the Football Daily podcast Mark Chapman is joined by correspondent John Murray and South American football expert Tim Vickery to pay tribute to football legend Diego Maradona, who has died at the age of 60. Maradona - arguably the greatest player football has ever seen - had a spectacular career: he captained Argentina to victory at the 1986 World Cup, and scoring both the infamous 'Hand of God' goal and the much-lauded solo second against England in their quarter-final. He spent much of his club career at Napoli, winning two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup with the Italian side. He had previously played for Barcelona, Boca Juniors and Argentinos Juniors. We hear from Gary Lineker, Pep Guardiola, Ossie Ardiles, and Paul Elliott - all paying tribute to the Argentine superstar.