Football legend Pele auctioning awards and memorabilia

Three-time World Cup winner, Pele is in London to promote an auction of his collection of awards and memorabilia.

He is auctioning off his entire collection of awards and memorabilia accumulated over six decades in the game.

Over 2,000 items will be up for sale during the three-day auction at London’s Mall Galleries from June 7-9.

The auction, handled by Beverly Hills-based Julien’s Auctions, is expected to attract bids from around the world.

Pele said it was better the memorabilia went to good use instead of simply filling up his house.

“That was the decision to do this, to help the charity and the children,” the Brazilian said.

“The idea is that half of the money goes to the children’s hospital and the other charities and the rest of the memorabilia will go to Santos, for an exhibition. Santos, the team that made me be here,” he added.

The former Brazilian forward had an illustrious career in football that saw him win three World Cups, score the most goals in history and become widely recognized as the greatest player of all time.

The 75-year-old says he’s donating some of the proceeds from the auction to the largest pediatric hospital in Brazil, with the rest going to support his old club Santos.

Reuters