Brazilian legend Pele undergoes hip operation

Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele, pictured in 2005, underwent a successful hip operation in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the three-time World Cup winner told the Globo Esporte website.

SAO PAULO - Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele underwent a successful hip operation in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the three-time World Cup winner told the Globo Esporte website.

“Everything went well, it was a very simple operation. He will probably leave tomorrow (Wednesday),” said Pele’s spokesman, Jose Fornos.

He also added that “The King”, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, had been complaining of hip pain for a while.

The 72-year-old, an honorary ambassador for the 2014 World Cup being hosted by Brazil, had been admitted to the Albert Einstein hospital, which did not publish any more information at the request of Pele’s family.

“Pele is in hospital here, but we are not able to provide any more details, as per the request of the family,” a press officer for the medical centre told AFP, without revealing when the ex-footballer arrived at the hospital.

Pele is regarded as one of the greatest players to have graced the earth, having won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970 as well as scoring 1,281 goals during his career.