The son of legendary Brazil forward Pele, says the three-time World Cup winner is reluctant to leave his house because he cannot walk unaided.
79 year old Pele, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, was taken to hospital with a urinary infection last year.
He has had problems with his hip for some time and now needs a frame to walk, with many of his recent public appearances in a wheelchair.
His son Edinho told TV Globo, he is very sheepish and reclusive.
Pele scored a world record total of 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during his 21-year career, including 77 goals in 91 appearances for Brazil.
His health has been a concern in recent years and he had prostate surgery in 2015 after he was admitted to hospital for the second time in six months.
