Inter really did make an attempt to sign Pele from Santos, a leading Brazilian journalist confirmed on Wednesday.
Former Nerazzurri owner and president Massimo Moratti revealed earlier this month that his father Angelo tried to sign the Brazil legend before the 1958 FIFA World Cup, when Pele was just 17.
After leaving Santos, the three-time World Cup winner also had a stint in the United States with the New York Cosmos – but Pele’s career could have been very different if he’d moved to Serie A instead.
“Shortly before Flamengo made a request for Pele, Inter also asked Santos to name their price,” Italian-Brazilian journalist Claudio Carsughi revealed, as quoted by FcInterNews.it.
“Santos president Athie Jorge Cury didn’t even want to discuss the matter, though.”
Pele announced himself to the world at the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, helping Brazil to their first world title after several previous failed attempts.
He scored six goals in the tournament as the Selecao conquered all before them, beating hosts Sweden 5-2 in the final.
Pele scored 643 goals in all competitions for Santos, as well as 64 for New York Cosmos.