Kolkata, Dec 31: As a mark of tribute to the football legend Pele, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 82, Kolkata's iconic Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, now known as ATK Mohun Bagan, has decided to name a new gate in the club premises in the Maidan area after the Brazilian icon. Stating that the name of the gate will be 'Pele Gate', club secretary Debasish Dutta said, "We are trying to finish the construction of the new gate, which will be thrown open for the football lovers of the city at the earliest." Footprints of Pele: Revisiting Brazilian Football Legend's Legacy Against Mohun Bagan.

The gate will act as a reminder for the football lovers that Mohun Bagan is the only Indian club against whom Pele played, representing New York Cosmos Club. The exhibition match played at the Eden Gardens on September 24, 1977 ended in a 2:2 draw. Mohammad Habib was and Shyam Thapa scored for Mohun Bagan. While Pele captained the Cosmos team, Mohun Bagan was led by defender Subrata Bhattacharya. Pele Was Left Mesmerised in 'Football Capital' of India While Playing Against Mohun Bagan in 1977.

Meanwhile, the three iconic football clubs of Kolkata -- Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting -- kept their respective club flags half-mast throughout Friday as a mark of respect to Pele.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 31, 2022 07:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).