SAO PAULO (AFP) - Brazilian football legend Pele was released from the hospital Saturday after undergoing surgery for kidney stones, hospital officials said.

The 74-year-old "king" of Brazilian football was admitted to Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein hospital this week with stomach pains, and underwent surgery on Thursday after doctors discovered kidney stones blocking his urinary tract.

"Albert Einstein hospital confirms that Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele) was released this morning at 10am," the medical centre said in a statement.

Pele was taken to the hospital late on Wednesday with what close associate and aide Jose Fornos Rodrigues initially indicated was a stomach ailment that forced him to miss a book launch in his hometown, Santos.

"He had stomach pains and he was brought to hospital for tests. But he is calm and feels good," Rodriques had said.

The book launch is expected to be rescheduled.