Chen Zhili, mayor of the Beijing Olympic Village, met with Brazilian Pele on Friday and extended her welcome and gratitude to his presence at the Beijing Games.

She said China and Brazil are developing countries, and Brazilian people have made great contribution to the world, hoping that Brazil can help China develop its soccer performance. Pele expressed consent.

The soccer legend offered Chen a football bearing his autograph, and the Olympic village mayor gave the guest a model of the Great Wall.

Born on Oct. 23, 1940, Pele had his original name as Edison Arantes do Nascimento, and has been rated as a great footballer.

(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2008)