The 75-year-old was rumoured to be invited to light the cauldron by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Rio 2016 organising committee chairperson Carlos Arthur Nuzman.
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“I’m not in physical condition to take part in the opening ceremony”, said the former Santos and New York Cosmos in a statement. Many will be tuning in on Friday night, because while not one of the sports, the Opening Ceremonies are something that people look forward to the most when it comes to the Olympics. He had hip surgery several years ago and often walks with the help of a cane.
But in a statement, the player said: “Dear friends, only God is more important than my health!”
“In my life I have had fractures, operations, pain, hospitalisations, victories and defeats, but I have always respected those who admire me”, he said in the statement.
He said it was “my own decision”.
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While Rio’s Opening Ceremony isn’t expected to be as long as Beijing’s in 2008 or as extravagant as London’s in 2012, it should still be an awesome celebration of Brazil’s culture. He said earlier that a commitment to a sponsor would force him to travel the day of the ceremony. She brought it to the stage, then De Lima brought it up the stairs and held it aloft for 60,000 to cheer.
