'Soccer Emperor' Pele's Health Deteriorates to the Point of Being Unable to Walk

Pele (80)
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Sung-yeol] Brazil's 'Football Emperor' Pel? (80) is reported to be in such poor health that he can barely walk.

Pel?'s son, Edinho, said in an interview with Brazilian TV network 'Globo' on the 11th (Korean time), "My father has become very weak. After undergoing hip surgery, he did not receive proper rehabilitation, which has caused difficulties in moving. He is also suffering from depression."

It was also reported that Edinho had arguments with Pel? over his failure to properly engage in rehabilitation training.

Edinho said, "My father, who was called the Emperor, is embarrassed by the fact that he can barely walk. He does not want to go outside."

On the same day, the British public broadcaster 'BBC' reported that Pel? was hospitalized due to health issues.

Pel?, who was recently seen using a wheelchair, has reportedly been suffering from urological problems, including prostate surgery in 2015.

Pel? played professionally from the 1950s to the 1970s, appearing in 1,363 matches and scoring 1,281 goals. As a member of the Brazil national team, he played in 92 A matches and scored 77 goals.

He also played a major role in Brazil's World Cup victories in 1958, 1962, and 1970, remaining the only player to have experienced three World Cup wins.

After retiring, Pel? stayed connected to football by working as a commentator and gained fame for the so-called 'Pel?'s curse,' where all predictions went wrong.