Pele has come out and said who he thinks is the greatest footballer of all-time – himself.

In a bizarre interview with CNN, in which he continually refers to himself in the third person, the Brazilian legend said: "To me, Pele is the best."

The 70-year-old, who has recently taken up the role as honorary president of the reformed New York Cosmos team, explained his reasoning with no false modesty.

"Nobody did what Pele did. Being champion of the world at 17 years old, won three World Cups, scored more than 1,208 goals - only him!

"Then until now, nobody did this... to me, Pele is the best."

Pele also had a dig at modern-day footballers, saying they were flashes in the pan who were not in the same class as stars from the past.

"You can mention players that played for 10 years, for example (Franz) Beckenbauer, (Michel) Platini, (Eric) Cantona, Bobby Charlton, George Best, then come (Diego) Maradona, Zico.

"Those players used to play a long time. Now the players they play one year, two years, then disappear."

Pele again went back to referring himself in the third person when describing the greatest Brazil teams of all time.

"In 1958, 1962, Brazil had excellent individuals. We had Garrincha, we had Didi, Djalma Santos. Also Pele, (Mario) Zagallo were excellent players. But as a team all together I think 1970 was no doubt the best team."

Eurosport