Pele, the favorite to light the Olympic flame Rio 2016

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Pele holds the Olympic torch (Rio 2016 / Andre Luiz Mello / AFP)

 

The Olympic torch, symbol of the sporting spirit of the Games, arrived Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro, two days before the start of the main sporting event in the world. The arrival of the flame to the Olympic city has sparked speculation about who will be chosen to light the Olympic flame at Maracana stadium at the opening of the Games Rio 2016 on Friday. Despite being the best kept secret until now, many media say the ex-footballer Pele is the leading candidate.

It was the Brazilian himself who confirmed that received an invitation from both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB), as reported by the portal 'O Globo' and web news 'UOL'. "I received the president (COB, Carlos Arthur) Nuzman, he made me the invitation personally," Pele said. "The IOC president also he made me," he said.

The former footballer, however, has yet to clarify with the firm in charge of your image if you accept the invitation, according to reports. "O Globo" Pele quoted saying that evaluates cancel two games I had for that day.

The name of the person who will light the Olympic flame at Maracana is so far secret, although Pele, considered by many as the best player in history and the best known face of Brazilian sport, has toyed often. "O Globo" published on Tuesday images responsible for the opening ceremony, Abel Gomes, kissing her hand to "O Rei" during a meeting at a restaurant. There is also speculation, however, that Pele would not be at 75 able to carry the Olympic torch to the cauldron, due to health problems.

The flame was moved to Rio in the morning on a boat from the neighboring city of Niteroi and through Guanabara Bay, where the sailing events will take place. "This is a very special for our city and our country now," cited the portal "O Globo" the mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes, during a ceremony of receiving the Olympic flame at the Naval Academy,

on the shores of the bay.

The torch must travel about 90 kilometers in the state of Rio in the next 48 hours before arriving on Friday the legendary Maracana stadium, where the cauldron will be lit to officially kick off the Thirtieth first Olympics of the modern era.