Brazil legend Pele’s spokesman denies he was rushed to hospital after collapsing from ‘severe exhaustion’
Football great cancelled a planned celebration trip to London but is resting at home
PELE'S spokesman has denied claims the football great has been rushed to hospital in Brazil after collapsing at home.
The legend reportedly underwent emergency tests after falling ill earlier this week.
Pele cancelled a planned trip to London this weekend where he was due to be honoured for his career in football.
But Jose Fornos Rodrigues said: "He just didn't want to make a long and stressful trip to London, in and out of who knows how many planes and airports. That's all."
His decision came just days after he needed a walking frame to take to the stage in a rare public appearance in Rio.
The Brazilian has battled ill health over the past 12 months and has been forced to reduce the number of public appearances he has made.
And the three-time World Cup winner, 77, had to use a wheelchair when he took part in the draw for Russia 2018 in Moscow last month.
The brilliant forward, regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game, appeared to show he is taking small steps to a recovery as he delighted fans in his native Brazil last weekend.
NEIL ASHTON Alexis Sanchez has done the dirty on Pep Guardiola by picking Man Utd
Pele used the frame to help him take to the the stage at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Carioca Football Championship in Rio.
But it appears that appearance took its toll on the global icon, and he fell ill in the early hours of Thursday.
Most read in football
The former attacker, who won World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970, had been due to make an appearance at a Football Writers' Association tribute dinner this weekend.
The night, at the Savoy Hotel in London, was to mark the appreciation of British football journalists for Pele's career and his impact on the game worldwide.
Though he can no longer attend, Pele has sent a message insisting the evening should continue as planned because so many friends are travelling from around the world to be there.
A statement from the FWA said: "In the early hours of Thursday morning, Pele collapsed and was taken to hospital in Brazil where he has undergone a series of tests which appear to point to severe exhaustion.
"He remains on fluids while doctors monitor his recovery.
"Thankfully, there is no suggestion of anything more serious than exhaustion and everybody at the Football Writers' Association wishes Pele a swift and full recovery.
"Understandably, his medical situation prevents him from travelling to London for the Football Writers' Association Tribute Night on Sunday evening at The Savoy.
"But after discussions with Pele and his team, he has insisted the event should continue, not least because many of Pele's friends are travelling from overseas to be with us on Sunday.
"While it is incredibly sad Pele cannot attend the function, the FWA are grateful that all those who have been asked to pay tribute on the night - Gareth Southgate, Cliff Jones, Gordon Banks and Steve Hunt - are determined to help make the evening a memorable one.
"Pele's team have also asked that we film the event and send a copy to Brazil in the knowledge it will lift the Great Man's spirits to see his friends are thinking of him and sending their best wishes.
"With that in mind, we want to do Pele proud and make Sunday night as memorable as possible."