Pele has claimed that his World Cup-winning Brazil side of 1970 were better than Spain's current team.

The Spanish team have been described as the best ever after they won their third consecutive major final with a 4-0 victory over Italy in the final of Euro 2012.

However, Pele believes that the Selecao side of 42 years ago had more international greats in their lineup.

"If I were playing, we would win, no doubt," the 71-year-old is quoted as saying by Reuters. "The 1970 side set the standard by which others are measured.

"These comparisons will always be there, but you cannot compare them individually. But the 1970 team had better players than Spain, who have only two or three great players.

"But without doubt, this Spain team plays the football that I have enjoyed watching the most over the past two generations."

Pele won three World Cups during a famous 21-year playing career before he retired in 1977.