Douglas Silva is a popular name in Indian football. He was one of the best foreigners to have graced Indian football during a span of 11 years. The 48-year-old Brazilian central midfielder was the only foreigner who was undefeated in the Kolkata derby. He never lost a derby wearing both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan shirts. He was one of the key members of the ASEAN-Cup-winning East Bengal squad and also won two back-to-back National Football League titles. 

Significantly, Douglas also donned shirts of Santos FC, the Brazilian club that has been legendary due to Pele. The king of football had represented Santos FC throughout his career. 

Brazil as well as the world of football is mourning after Pele's death on the last day of last year. The sports personalities and the footballers all over the world have expressed pain. 

Douglas is not also an exception. While speaking over the phone from his home in Sao Paulo recently, he stated "We were aware of his illness. We knew one day will come when he will be no more. But Pele's presence was like an umbrella made of the Banyan tree. He was a shade of Brazilian football. He helped all Brazilian footballers to create their identity." 

Simultaneously, Douglas being nostalgic was remembering some memorable moments with the king of football when he joined Santos A team. The midfielder exclaimed, "There is a saloon just behind the Santos Stadium and it is not too far from my home. I heard Pele used to come there to cut his hair. He used to come also to watch our training sometimes, inspiring everybody with his blessings. One morning I heard he would come to the saloon and immediately after the training session got over I rushed there to see him from close. He had finished his job and was coming out of the saloon. I stood in front of him and sought his blessings. I had taken a jersey where Pele's picture was printed. He took it from me, gave his precious autograph, and inspired me saying that he had seen me in the Santos B team's training and also praised my aggressive attitude on the field. 'You have to perform like Formiga (the left-footed defender who represented Santos A squad that time) to promote yourself to the club's A team'-he told me and that became my biggest memory. I will not forget, will relish throughout the life."