World football icon Pele will not light the Olympic cauldron at tonight’s opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro because of ill health.
The Brazilian football superstar was poised to kick-off the Olympics at the curtain raiser in the Maracana stadium but said he was not physically able to attend.
The 75-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the sport’s best ever players after helping Brazil lift three World Cups, walks with the help of a cane after he underwent hip surgery.
In his statement, Pele said: "Only God is more important than my health.
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“In my life, I've had fractures, surgeries, pain, hospital stays, victories and defeats. And I've always respected those who admire me.”
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He said the decision to withdraw, just hours before the opening ceremony, was his and apologised to fans.
He added: “As a Brazilian, I ask God to bless all who participate in this event."
The absence of Brazil’s most famous athlete has left organisers needing to fill a void to launch this summer’s Olympics.