Brazilian former football star, Pele, refutes claims that he is feeling depressed and ashamed to go out due to his health condition.
This statement comes after Pele’s son, Edinho, conveyed to TV Globo that his father was “embarrassed” by his hip problems, which were causing “a certain depression”.
Edinho mentioned, “He’s pretty fragile. He had a hip replacement and didn’t have an adequate or ideal rehabilitation.
“So he has this problem with mobility and that has set off a kind of depression. Imagine, he’s the king, he was always such an imposing figure, and today he can no longer walk properly. Only with help. He is very shy, very embarrassed about it.
“It improved a little compared to that recent time when he was in a wheelchair, 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 reclusive.”
“So he has this problem with mobility and that has set off a kind of depression. Imagine, he’s the king, he was always such an imposing figure, and today he can no longer walk properly. Only with help. He is very shy, very embarrassed about it.
“It improved a little compared to that recent time when he was in a wheelchair, but he still has a lot of difficulty walking.
Responding to his son’s interview, the former footballer dismissed the assertions, stating: “Thank you for your prayers and concerns. I am fine,” he responded in a statement on Friday.
“I’m turning 80 this year. I have my good and bad days. This is normal for people my age.
“I continue to accept my physical limitations in the best possible way, but I intend to keep the ball rolling. God bless you all.”
Throughout the years, Pele has faced numerous health challenges, with recent public appearances often being in a wheelchair.
Two years ago, he was in a wheelchair at the 2018 World Cup draw in Moscow, following prostate surgery, and then hospitalized with a urinary infection in 2019.
Pele, widely revered as one of the greatest players of all time, represented Brazil 92 times between 1957-1972, scoring 77 goals.