Pele considered what he had achieved before his fast - approaching 30th birthday .
Pele thought about retiring ahead of the 1970 tournament -- but had a last - minute change of heart after telling his club team Santos of his plans .
Considering what he had achieved before his fast - approaching 30th birthday , Pele thought about retiring ahead of the 1970 tournament -- but had a last - minute change of heart after telling his club team Santos of his plans .