Brazilian soccer legend Pele has been admitted to an intensive care unit in Brazil.

The former Santos, New York Cosmos and Brazil star was being treated for a urinary tract infection, but has now been transferred to a special care unit at a Sao Paulo hospital.

The 74-year-old football ambassador's condition was reported to have worsened. 

The three-time World Cup winner had kidney stones removed earlier this month.

However, his spokesman Jose Fornos Rodrigues has played down fears about Pele's health, saying that the move to the special care unit was due to the high number of visitors he had been receiving.

"He was uncomfortable with so many people coming. It'll be quieter now," said Rodrigues.