Diego Maradona Loves Me Whenever He Needs Me, said Pele

The war of words between Pele and Argentina coach Diego Maradona is showing no signs of slowing down, with the Brazilian the offering the latest jab.

"The whole world knows that Maradona loves me. He adores me,” Pele told Lance.

“When his TV show opened in Argentina, he called me. They had a fund-raising party at Boca Juniors and I was there,” he continued.

Maradona and Pele, widely regarded as the two greatest footballers of all time, have long been trading insults and the Brazilian’s latest comments come after Maradona suggested he should “go back to the museum” at a press conference last week.

"Maradona loves me,” Pele reiterated. “Whenever he has an event that needs attention, he honors me."

Pele also spoke about Luis Fabiano’s goal against Ivory Coast, after Maradona suggested that Brazil do anything they can to win games.

“I think it took a bit of both of us,” said Pele. “A bit of my head and a hand from Maradona.”