By JUSTIN FERGUSON
The New York Cosmos will kick off their new era in August with a flashback to their legendary past.
The club announced Tuesday that it will honor former players Pelé, Carlos Alberto and Giorgio Chinaglia before its first match against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Aug. 3. The living Brazilian legends will be joined by family members of the late Chinaglia, who passed away in April 2012, prior to kickoff at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium.
“We can never forget the great memories of playing for the Cosmos,” Pelé said. “It’s good to have the team back, and to involve my friend and captain Carlos Alberto along with the family of Giorgio Chinaglia.”
The three legends played for the Cosmos at different stages of their careers, but they were all teammates in 1977, Pelé’s final season.
Pelé, who is also the club’s honorary president, will take part in a special ceremony two days before the match. The Empire State Building will be lit in Cosmos green in honor of the club’s return to action on Aug. 1.
What do you make of this news? Excited to see these former Cosmos legends honored before the club’s first competitive match?
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