Pele's Condition Improves In Hospital

Pele's health is improving despite him being moved to a special care unit at a hospital in Sao Paulo.

The Brazil legend, who was admitted with a urinary infection three days ago, is expected to remain in hospital for at least a week, according to his spokesman.

Jose Fornos Rodrigues, Pele's personal aide, said he was "completely fine" and the move was mainly to protect his privacy with several hundred fans gathered outside the Albert Einstein hospital.

"He was uncomfortable with so many people coming. It'll be quieter now," Rodrigues said.

The former Santos striker had surgery for kidney stones on November 13 before being released two days later.

In a statement, the hospital said: “Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele) remains in hospital.

“To receive the best care he was transferred in order to be monitored in a special care unit."

Pele is a three-time World Cup winner and was named by FIFA as their joint Player of the Twenty Century along with Diego Maradona. He was also named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee.

Nicknamed O Rei (The King), Pele is widely regarded as the greatest footballer in the history of the game, having scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 games.

On the international stage, he scored 77 goals in 91 games and won his first World Cup aged just 17, scoring twice in the 1958 final win over hosts Sweden.