The 2018 World Cup may miss out on a legend of the game, with health issues to keep former Brazil star Pele from making the trip to Russia this summer.
The 77-year-old recently suffered a back injury that kept him from presenting the Campeonato Carioca trophy to Botafogo on Monday, despite being the ambassador for the competition.
Sources have now confirmed to Goal that the lingering health concerns will also keep the three-time World Cup winner from traveling to Russia this summer.
Pele has had health issues since 2012, when he underwent surgery to correct the symptoms of osteoarthritis which ended up causing more complications.
That, coupled with the most recent back trouble, now look likely to keep the legendary forward from making the trip this summer.
Goal understands that, while Pele will not travel, he will still be involved in the World Cup, having signed on to comment on the tournament for Brazilian television.
O Rei won the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups with Brazil and is the leading scorer in his national team’s storied history with 77 goals.
He also claimed the Golden Ball as the World Cup’s top player at the 1970 tournament in Mexico.
