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LONDON. — World Cup football winner Gordon Banks was a “goalkeeper with magic”, says Brazil legend Pele, after the former England goalkeeper died at the age of 81 yesterday.

The football world has been paying tribute to Banks, a world champion in 1966, but best remembered for a save that denied Pele in the 1970 World Cup.

But iconic forward Pele (78) said he was “glad” his header was kept out.

“That act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure,” he said.

“Whenever we met, it was always like we had never been apart.”

Three-time World Cup winner Pele said on social media: “I have great sadness in my heart today and I send condolences to the family he was so proud of.

“Rest in peace, my friend. Yes, you were a goalkeeper with magic. But you were also so much more. You were a fine human being.”

Banks’ save to deny Pele 49 years ago has been described as the “save of the century” and Pele has previously admitted he thought he had scored. — BBC Sport.