Brazilian football legend Pele is recovering from prostate surgery in a Sao Paulo hospital.

The 74-year-old was in a "stable" condition after prostate surgery this week, the Albert Einstein Hospital said in a statement on Thursday.

He underwent a procedure known as the transurethral resection of the prostate, which is most commonly used to relieve urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.

Brazilian media reported the surgery was on Tuesday after Pele complained of urinary problems, but the hospital has yet to release more details. The surgery was conducted reportedly to help prevent a urinary tract infection similar to the one that hospitalized him for 17 days in December.

At the time, Pele spent several days in an intensive care unit while undergoing hemodialysis to help support his only kidney.

The other was removed in 1977, while he was playing in the United States for the New York Cosmos, following an injury sustained whilst previously playing for Brazilian club Santos.

apc (dpa, AP)