Olympics Rio 2016: Pele 'too frail' to light Olympic flame, set to miss opening ceremony

Reports also suggest that he will not be able to attend the ceremony at all due to his poor health.

In a statement he apologised to those who might be disappointed by his absence, and added: "As a Brazilian, I ask God to bless all who participate in this event."

He explained: "Only God is more important than my health. In my life, I've had fractures, surgeries, pain, hospital stays, victories and defeats. And I've always respected those who admire me."

Pepito Fornos, a Pele spokesman, confirmed to Reuters by telephone that Pele would not light the cauldron, saying that "the muscles in his leg that is being rehabilitated are not sufficiently strong enough".

"He is walking with a cane. The problem is that if he sits in a chair you need a winch to get him out of it," Fornos said. "His doctor thought it best that he continues physiotherapy, that he rests and we hope that he will be able to appear at the (Olympic) closing."

Pele had hip surgery at the turn of the year following a replacement in 2012 and has had several other health issues since. He spent two weeks in hospital for a urinary infection in 2014 and last May had prostate surgery.