Former Brazil striker Pele dismissed talk he is depressed and reclusive Thursday and assured fans he is doing well and maintaining a busy schedule.
Pele’s son Edinho told Globo in an interview published Monday that the three-time World Cup winner was depressed and reluctant to leave his house because he cannot get around properly due to hip problems.
Pele, widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers in history, is the only player to win three World Cups.
He has suffered from hip trouble for years and cannot walk unaided.
"I am good. I continue to accept my physical limitations in the best way possible."
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 14, 2020
Pele says his health issues are normal for people his age https://t.co/w1bkLQFgtH pic.twitter.com/h12jEZiNE8
Many of his most recent public appearances have been in a wheelchair.
However, friends of the former Santos and New York Cosmos player said this January was one of his busiest in years.
He did photos shoots and sponsorship work and he is cooperating with a British director making a documentary about his footballing life.
This summer will mark the 50th anniversary of his third World Cup title, won in Mexico in 1970 with what many rate the greatest team of all time.
