RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - Brazilian soccer legend Pele was in a stable condition on Thursday following surgery for kidney stones, the Sao Paulo hospital treating him said.

"He underwent surgery this morning to remove kidney stones and for now is clinically stable and recovering," read a statement from the Albert Einstein clinic, signed by Dr Fabio Nasri.

The statement added: "The patient Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele) remains hospitalised following tests which showed up kidney stones obstructing urinary flow."

The facility did not indicate when the 74-year-old might be discharged.

Pele was taken to hospital late on Wednesday with what close associate and aide Jose Fornos Rodrigues initially indicated was a stomach ailment which forced him to miss a book launch.