Pele in hospital after collapsing with severe exhaustion

Brazilian legend and three-time World Cup winner Pele was sent to hospital Thursday after collapsing with a case of "severe exhaustion," the Football Writers' Association (FWA) said.

Pele was due to attend a dinner hosted by the FWA on Sunday in London.

"In the early hours of Thursday morning, Pele collapsed and was taken to hospital in Brazil where he has undergone a series of tests which appear to point to severe exhaustion," read a statement. "He remains on fluids while doctors monitor his recovery."

His condition isn't considered to be "anything more serious than exhaustion," the FWA added.

The 77-year-old's health has prevented him from making public appearances in recent years. Pele was treated for kidney stones in 2014 before undergoing surgery to treat an enlarged prostate in May 2015. During the 2018 World Cup draw in December, he was confined to a wheelchair.

Considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, the longtime Santos striker scored more than 1,000 goals in his career.