Pele asked if Larne and Wallison wanted to be in the picture.
The former journalist regrets answering for many years.
– I am sure that I will be the only one in the whole world who refused, – says Walson.
In August 1975 Malmö FF defeated New York Cosmos 5-1 in front of over 20,000 spectators at Malmö Stadium.
In the away team was a certain Edson Arantes do Nascimento player, better known as Pelé, who also scored the only goal for the New York team in the match.
Before the match, Aftonbladet organized a meeting with Pele, and the newspaper’s readers had the opportunity to call and ask questions to the Brazilian attacking icon.
Readers asked Pele questions
During the vignette “Heta Linjen”, Aftonbladet readers can call and send their questions to Pele.
One of those involved was former sports journalist Larn Walson behind it all.
– I was really stressed and nervous, he says.
Photographer Bo Holst was to take a picture of Pele with a phone, which was to be used for the article “Heta linjen”.
– Bosse equipped the room with the correct light and telephone. My only task was to tell Pele where he should stand and what he should do, says Wallison and continues:
“I regretted it for many years.”
– As soon as Pele got there, I told him to pick up the phone, hold it to his ear and look at the camera. Then he says, “Does the photographer take the picture with you?”
Wallison’s answer?
– In my eagerness, in my foolishness, in my stupidity I answered “No, no. Only you.” I thought I wouldn’t be in any pictures. Then I saw in Boss Holst’s eyes… “Did you hear what I said and to whom did I say it?”.
– Pele then sat on a chair, the pictures were taken and I thanked him very much for standing up. After that, the guards took him and left. I regretted it for years. I paid it.
“Only content in the whole world”
The story lived with Wallison, who worked at Aftonbladet between 1974 and 1984, for a long time. When Pele died on Thursday, the former journalist was reminded of the Malmo nobility of 1975.
– I am guaranteed to be the only one in the whole world who refused to be in a photo with Pele, he says and adds:
– but the more time passes, the more fun this thing becomes. When I sit down at parties, I usually tell this story. It’s not something I bitterly regret today or something I’ve lost sleep over.