Pelé not to take part in Rio 2016 opening due to health issues

Football great Pelé, or Edson Arantes do Nascimento, released a note today (Aug. 5) saying he is not in physical conditions to participate in the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games due to health issues. He had been eyed to light the Olympic pyre.

“I am not in physical conditions to take part in the opening ceremony of the Olympics at the moment. As a Brazilian, I ask God to bless everyone participating in this event. I wish it proves a great success and ends in peace!” he said in his Instagram .

José Forno Rodrigues, or Pepito, Pelé's press adviser, confirmed that the invitation came from the Rio 2016 Olympic Committee. Pepito also announced that it had not been decided yet that Pelé would be the one igniting the Olympic pyre. Other athletes were invited to take part in the solemnity.

Surgery

According to Pelé's press adviser, the former football player has undergone a number of physical therapy sessions after the hip surgery, as his muscles are not strong enough to sustain his body comfortably. “He may be better in four or five days, but he can't climb a single step today. His muscles are in the process of recovery,” he declared.

The Brazil Olympic Committee (BOC) reported it bears no connection with the topic, which is a duty of the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, and declared it did not make any announcements as to who was to kindle the pyre.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira