[photo via NY Cosmos]

• by Juan Martinez, writing from San Francisco

The name alone—New York Cosmos—has had an undeniably strong presence in the history of American soccer. It is one of the reasons American soccer became what it was and is. With the addition of names like Pelé, Eric Cantona, and Cobi Jones, the Cosmos can safely say they’ve made some great decisions on personnel. But now they’ve added another blockbuster name: Carlos Alberto, the great Brazilian defender and long time teammate of O Rei. As International Ambassador, Alberto will be an integral part in the rebuilding of the New York Cosmos’ organization.

With an extensive history in American soccer and abroad, the Cosmos are looking at connecting its past to its present and future with Alberto. A member of the World Team of the 20th Century and FIFA 100 List, Alberto says, “I’m looking forward to seeing what’s ahead for The New York Cosmos and will support them in any way to fulfill both its short and long-term plans.”

It all makes sense: They are building from the bottom up, but not completely, hence, the need for big names to draw attention to the organization to give it the push-in-the-back necessary. As the Cosmos look at rebuilding and becoming a professional soccer team once again, many people also look forward to the spectacle and what it will produce.

Fans are invited to the New York Cosmos’ Facebook page to submit questions which will be personally chosen and answered by the legend himself. There will also be a chance to win some signed memorabilia from Alberto. Just as Pelé, Cantona, and Jones did on the Asia Tour for the Cosmos, Alberto will jump right into the heart of things at the place he once called home.

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