Brazil’s three-time football World Cup winner and legend Pele was to light the Olympic flame at Friday’s opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics 2016. Just a few hours prior to the event, the iconic footballer had to pull out owing to his ill health.
Pele was definitely as dejected as ten thousands of his fans for not being able to be a part of the world’s largest sporting event, more so which is hosted in his country. He took to twitter on Tuesday to announce his desire of making an appearance at the closing ceremony. “I am continuing my physiotherapy and focused on joining you for the closing festivities on August 21. I love you!” Pele wrote on Twitter.
Pele said clearing the air about his sudden drop out from the opening ceremony that his health was too fragile for him to make it to the event.
The football idol has undergone several hip operations and supposedly walks with a cane. “I want to thank everyone for the well wishes from around the world, regarding the Olympics opening ceremony,” he added.
Brazilian marathoner Vanderlei de Lima in turn got an opportunity to light the Olympic cauldron to ignite the first Games in South America.