PELE is in hospital after collapsing due to exhaustion, preventing him from travelling to London for an engagement this weekend, the English Football Writers Association (FWA) revealed today.

The 77-year-old, a three-time World Cup winner, collapsed yesterday, according to the FWA.

He is being monitored in a hospital in Brazil.

The FWA was due to host a dinner in his honour.

Pele “has undergone a series of tests, which appear to point to severe exhaustion”, said the FWA.

“He is on fluids while doctors monitor his recovery. Thankfully, there is no suggestion of anything more serious.”

Pele helped inspire Brazil to wins in the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups.

He has become increasingly frail in recent years, and was unable to light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Games due to ill health.

He scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during his 21-year career, including 77 goals in 91 appearances for Brazil. – AFP, January 19, 2018.