How is doing rounds in lower leagues a showing of inferior class?
Can equally argue that it just shows he loves the game less (yes I know this is a stupid argument)
Agree - Pele played in the old North American Soccer League along with many other wonderful players like Cruyff, Eusebio, Bobby Moore, Gordon Banks, George Best, Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto, Gerd Muller, Neeskens, Rensenbrink, Oscar.
All players with class...
Some famous English players played in NZ at the end of their careers like Trevor Brooking, Kevin Keegan, Paul Mariner, Mick Channon.
More recently, one of The Republic of Ireland's greatest football sons, Terry Phelan (World Cup 1994 , Man City, Chelsea, Everton, Wimbledon, Leeds) was player-coach for Otago United late in his playing career. Never lost my respect.
Winding up their careers in lower leagues never affected their class in my eyes.
Exactly. I don't think playing on after your prime or not says anything about your level of 'class'. Though as someone who is constantly itching to play football, I have a fondness for old pros who just want to keep going because they love it so much and their body hasn't completely given out yet.