Former Black Stars player, has revealed that he was under a lot of pressure to be at the top of his career after Brazilian Pele told the world he was the next big thing to happen in World football.
Odartey was a delight to watch during the 1991 Under 17 World cup in Italy where he help the black starlets to win the ultimate after which Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé described him as the one to step in his shoes.
Though Nii Odartey Lamptey enjoyed some remarkable seasons with Anderlecht and PSV Eindhoven in Europe, he failed to get to the top as predicted by Edson Arantes do Nascimento, also known as Pelé.
Speaking to Starr Odartey says it was a great honor to be compared with the great Pele but insists, it was not easy stepping in his shoes at that time.
“I must admit Pele’s tag gave me a lot of pressure but well it was a great honor but as I said when you are going to any team at that time, a lot was on my shoulders.
“It just wasn’t easy to be the next Pele within a year or two,” Odartey added.
