Brazil's leading goalscorer of all time, Pele, has had successful surgery to correct a hip problem in Sao Paulo.

The 72-year-old was taken to the Albert Einstein Hospital earlier today and is now expected to be released tomorrow.

There had been numerous reports that the surgery was more complicated than was originally anticipated. However, his spokesman has insisted that there were no problems.

"Everything went well, it was a very simple operation. He will probably leave on Wednesday," said Jose Fornos.

Pele's record for goals in a calender year was recently beaten by Barcelona frontman Lionel Messi.