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RIO DE JANEIRO -- Pele will not attend Fridays opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics because of poor health, denying Brazilians a chance to celebrate their greatest sports figure.The 75-year-old soccer great said this week he had been invited to light the cauldron, though that was not confirmed by Rio organizers.Im not physically able to attend the opening of the Olympics, Pele said in a statement on Friday.Pele had hip surgery recently and often walks with a cane. His absence -- in any role -- will be a huge disappointment to fans and organizers. He is easily Brazils most recognizable athlete -- or former athlete -- though he stopped playing almost 40 years ago.Only God is more important than my health, he wrote. In my life Ive had fractures, surgeries, pain, hospital stays, victories and defeats. And Ive always respected those who admire me.He said pulling out was my own decision.Peles role in the opening ceremony has never been clear. He had said earlier that a commitment to a sponsor would force him to travel the day of the ceremony.If I manage to change (the travel plans), I would like to have the honor to light it, he said.In statement, Pele apologized for disappointing Brazilians and said as a Brazilian, I ask God to bless all who participate in this event.He signed the statement Edson Arantes do Nascimento -- Pele. Darrell Green Youth Jersey . -- Timbers coach Caleb Porter didnt stray from his business-like approach to the season even after Portland downed the two-time defending league champion Los Angeles Galaxy to gain crucial playoff position. Landon Collins Jersey . 4 Villanova with a 96-68 drubbing on Monday. Wragge hit 9-of-14 from behind the arc, matching Kyle Korvers school record for 3-pointers in a game set in 2003, as Creighton (16-3, 6-1 Big East broke a conference record with 21 treys in the rout. https://www.redskinssportsgoods.com/Womens-Dexter-Manley-Inverted-Jersey/ . You can watch the game live on TSN at 7:30pm