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Friday, 29 March 2024

Ageing soccer icon Pele depressed, reclusive: Son

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Ageing soccer icon Pele depressed, reclusive: Son
Ageing soccer icon Pele depressed, reclusive: Son

Brazilian soccer great Pele is depressed over his poor health and reluctant to leave the house because he cannot walk unaided, his son has said in an new interview.

Adam Reed reports.

Considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, three time World Cup winner Pele's ill health now means he's reluctant to leave the house and has difficulty walking unaided.

His son Edinho has spoken of his father's frustration at the current situation.

(SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) PELE'S SON, EDINHO, SAYING: "He can't walk normally and only with a walker.

He's gotten a little better recently, but he still has a lot of difficulty walking.

He's embarrassed, he doesn't want to go out, be seen, or do practically anything that involves leaving the house.

He is very sheepish, reclusive." Pele spent much of his playing career with Brazilian club side Santos, before moving to the New York Cosmos in the 1970's.

Later in life he has suffered with hip trouble for several years and has been restricted to making public appearances in a wheelchair or walking with a frame.

Now his failing body has brought on a form of depression says his son.

(SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) PELE'S SON, EDINHO, SAYING: "Imagine, he's the King, he was always such an imposing figure." Pele will turn 80 in October and this year will be the 50th anniversary since his 3rd World Cup triumph -- he still stands alone as the only soccer player to ever achieve that feat.

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