It is flashback time in Kolkata as preparations are in full swing for the 'Football Samrat' (the name the fans in Kolkata have for the Brazilian legend) Pele to grace the occasion at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday.
From the airport and on the roads, more than signs of Durga Puja celebrations, there were banners, signs and Brazilian flags visible welcoming Pele.
Pele had visited the City of Joy 38 years ago when he featured in an exhibition game for the New York Cosmos against Mohun Bagan Athletic Club at the iconic Eden Gardens.
Pele is expected to walk down memory lane on Monday, when he will drop by to the same ground where he had enchanted the football crazy fans of this city.
The festive mood of Kolkata for the time being will be overshadowed with some 'fatatafi football' moments that the fans will cherish, when Pele addresses nearly 1.2 lakh football fanatics at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday.
Pele had made a promise almost 40 years back that he would come back to this city as very few places in the world have such crazy football fans, and the amount of love he got when he came here to play the last time was unparalleled. It seems that he is a man who loves to keep his word, and thus he is here again.
Pele will be present at the Salt Lake Stadium to witness the ISL 2015 encounter between Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters. Both the teams resume their rivalry after the final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2014.
ISL 2015 has already showcased some breathtaking matches, and Pele said a few days ago that he is eager to watch these two sides play on Tuesday.
Atletico de Kolkata co-owner and former India captain Sourav Ganguly will hold a talk show with the Brazilian legend on Monday evening at the Netaji Indoor Stadium.
The event hoardings too have made quite a impact on the city. Everyone, no doubt, just wants to get a glimpse of one of their favourite players.
