Pele says World Cup "fantastic" event for Brazil

Brazilian football legend Pele, seen here in July 2007, described as "fantastic" the selection of his country to host the 2014 World Cup.

Brazilian football legend Pele described as "fantastic" the selection of his country to host the 2014 World Cup.

"It's something fantastic, because everybody knows that Brazil is the incarnation of football," the champion striker said Wednesday while attending a book fair here.

"It will be a very important tournament for Brazil if, as well, they win it."

European football chief Michel Plantini expressed his disappointment Tuesday that "the king" was absent from the Brazilian delegation at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Tuesday for the announcement.

Pele declined to comment on his absence which is believed to be the result of poor relations with senior officials of the Brazilian football federation.

"It's the second time that Brazil is organising a World Cup. The first time was in 1950, I was 10," remembered the former three time winner of the sport's showpiece event.

"I remember my father in tears after we lost in the final to Uruguay: I hope this time we're going to to win this World Cup."