Reports of footballing legend Pele being in the hospital have been described as false by his spokesman. The 77-year-old, he said, is currently resting at home. The speculation was triggered after the English Football Writer’s Association (FWA) said he cancelled his attendance for a dinner in his honour after collapsing from exhaustion.
But his spokesperson branded those reports as “fake news”. Pele made his first public appearance since December’s World Cup draw with a zimmer frame in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. “He said he’s not going because it’s going to be very tiring, very stressful,” said Pepito Fornos.
“He had this trip to England, but the trip to Rio was very tiring and so to face another trip, with transits at several airports, wasn’t possible.” Pele has struggled with ill health and was unable to light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Rio Games.
Pele “has undergone a series of tests which appear to point to severe exhaustion”, said the FWA earlier on Friday. “He is on fluids while doctors monitor his recovery. Thankfully there is no suggestion of anything more serious.” Pele was part of the Brazilian team that dazzled the world en route victories at the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cup. He missed the 1966 edition due to an injury.
