Brazilian soccer legend Pele on Tuesday said that he hopes to make it to the closing ceremony of the Rio Olympics after he missed the opening because of poor health.
Regarded as a greatest player of all time tweeted Tuesday: "I am continuing my physiotherapy and focused on joining you for the closing festivities on August 21. I love you! #olympics."
"I want to thank everyone for the well wishes from around the world, regarding the Olympics opening ceremony."
Pele was the preferred choice of organizers to light the cauldron. But he first cited sponsorship commitments and later health concerns for keeping him away.
The 75-year-old Pele had hip surgery recently. He walks with a cane.
The Olympic cauldron was lit by Brazilian marathon runner Vanderlei de Lima.
Last month, Pele held the Olympic flame in Santos, a city near Sao Paulo, where he started his career. He never played in the Olympics.
(With inputs from AP)
