IT is not every day that one of the greatest footballers in the history of the game visits Bolton.

But Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known to fans around the world as Pele, returned to the town after a gap of 50 years.

He was last here back in 1966 as part of the Brazil team preparing for the World Cup.

The three-time World Cup winner was the guest of honour in a sportsman’s dinner at the Macron Stadium.

The visit was part of a world tour, giving fans the opportunity to see him in the flesh.

The 75-year-old, who scored 1,281 goals during his 21-year career, answered questions about his illustrious time as a professional as well as life since retirement.

Fans of all ages attended the evening as the icon posed for pictures.

Among them was Jack Byrne, from Bradshaw, who attended the event to celebrate his birthday along with dad Mike.

The 15-year-old, who has a contract with the Blackpool Football Academy, was one of the few to get his idol’s signature after approaching him at the end of the evening.

Mr Byrne, aged 51, said: “Jack always used to go on Youtube and watch videos of Pele before going outside to practise the tricks.

"He was so nervous and excited to meet him.

“I asked what he asked him, but he couldn’t remember!

"He was just in complete awe of a footballing god!

“He will never forget that night and he can now always say he met Pele and held his hand.”

More than 300 people attended the evening held in the Premier Suite at Bolton Whites Hotel.

Pele was last in the town as a member of the Brazilian team which made Bolton a training base for matches in the North West during the 1966 World Cup, regularly practising at Wanderers’ former Bromwich Street training ground as well as having access to the medical room at former home of the club, Burnden Park.