Pele recovering in hospital after collapsing with exhaustion

Brazil legend Pele has been hospitalised after collapsing through exhaustion in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The 77-year-old was due to be honoured at a Football Writers' Association dinner in London but he will now remain under observation.

The FWA had planned to host a dinner in his honour at the Savoy hotel on Sunday but have since confirmed the 77-year-old would not be attending.

“In the early hours of Thursday morning, Pele collapsed and was taken to hospital in Brazil where he has undergone a series of tests which appear to point to severe exhaustion,” the FWA said in a statement.

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

Pele, who is the only player to win three World Cups, has been taken to hospital for kidney and prostrate problems in recent years and also underwent hip surgery.

Still considered the greatest player of all time, he appeared in a wheelchair at his last big international appearance in Moscow in December for the draw for the 2018 World Cup.