Santos signs lifetime contract with Pele

Brazilian soccer legend Pele smiles during a news conference in Hong Kong in this March 7, 2011 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

SAO PAULO - Brazilian football club Santos says it has signed a lifetime contract to use the image of former player Pele.

Santos says Thursday it will "continue using Pele's image in its marketing, publicity and social media campaigns."

The new agreement also "includes a licensing deal which allows Santos and Pele to create and release products together."

Pele was the club's "global ambassador" since 2013 and both parties have been working to renew that agreement.

Santos president Odilio Rodrigues says "we expect this agreement to last forever, just like Pele's legacy."

Pele says he is "looking forward to working with Santos on its strategies and programs."

Santos says it's the first club to sign a lifetime deal with a former player.

The 74-year-old Pele is in a hospital with a urinary infection.