Sao Paulo (AFP)
Living football legend "King" Pelé said he was happy to be "lucid" as he nears 80, in a video sent to the media on Tuesday.
"I have to thank God for my health, and for arriving at this age still lucid, not smarter, but lucid", joked the Brazilian, thanking those who have already sent him messages to wish him a happy birthday. , even if it will not blow out its 80 candles until Friday.
"I hope that when I die, God will receive me the same way I am received around the world thanks to football," added the three-time world champion.
Confined to his home due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pelé has had health problems in recent years.
In April 2019, after a meeting with the young French world champion Kylian Mbappé, he was hospitalized for a severe urinary tract infection.
The one who many consider the best player of all time is also crippled by hip problems.
He used a walker during his last public appearances.
© 2020 AFP