Pele in 'good condition' and expected to leave hospital 'in the next few days'

The international football star's fans feared the worst when it was announced he is in a 'special care' unit

Brazilian football legend Pele pictured in 2011 (REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/Files )

Brazilian football legend Pele, who is being treated for a urinary tract infection, is in a good condition and is likely to leave the hospital in the next few days, his spokesman said.

Jose Fornos Rodrigues' comments after Pele’s fans feared the worst when Albert Einstein hospital released a statement saying the 74-year-old was transferred to a “special care” unit after his condition became unstable.

But his spokesman and personal aide denied his condition had worsened.

“He is fine,” Rodrigues, also known as Pepito, told The Associated Press.

"The problem was that he was receiving too many visitors and that wasn't helping, so they transferred him to a calmer area to continue receiving the proper treatment. He should be out of the hospital in a few days."

In Brazil, local media widely reported that Pele’s condition had worsened in a country where the three-time World Cup champion is widely considered a national hero - creating a scare in Brazil.

Pele's was admitted to the hospital on Monday after he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, and was prescribed anti-biotics.

A fortnight ago, Pele was in the same to undergo surgery to remove kidney stones.

The former footballer has enjoyed good health in recent years, despite needing to undergo surgeries for a hip replacement and a detached retina.

Pele remains a worldwide ambassador to football and is active with his many businesses across the globe. He still participates in many advertising campaigns and is present at most major football tournaments.

He won the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, '62 and 1970 and is known as the game's most prolific scorer, credited with 1,281 goals in 1,363 career matches.

Additional reporting by AP