Kevin McCabe insists that Pele is now an honorary Blade.
The world's greatest footballer is in Sheffield as part of United's links with Sao Paulo and will remain in the city for a couple of days, touring Bramall Lane and the Shirecliffe Academy, as well as watching the historic Sheffield FC v Inter Milan fixture, which celebrates the 150th anniversary of the world's oldest club.
Speaking at Wednesday's press conference, United's plc chairman, McCabe stated: "I told Pele... once a Blade always a Blade."
Mr McCabe added: "Being a Sheffield lad and close to the game I don't know why Sheffield doesn't shout about our involvement in the game. We are the birthplace of football, the original handwritten rules were written close to Bramall Lane and we've brought the world's most famous footballer to the birthplace of the game."
Pele added: "It is an immense pleasure to be here and I'm delighted that Sheffield United have organised a challenge trophy in my honour, it makes me very happy that it is taking place in the birthplace of football."
The Blades, Manchester United, FC Porto and Sao Paulo are all involved in the under 17s competition which concludes on Thursday.
Pele joked: "I have a bone to pick with Kevin (McCabe)... he ought to have invited my team, Santos, instead of Sao Paulo."
Pele was last in Sheffield in 1962 when his Santos team played a friendly against Sheffield Wednesday and the great man was on target with a penalty in a 4-2 win.
More on www.sufc.co.uk to follow.
