Pele sends autographed jersey to trapped Chile miners

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has sent a message of support and an autographed jersey to 33 Chilean miners who have been trapped underground since Aug 5.

"Dear friends: I'm praying for you" was the message Pele sent to the men trapped inside the San Jose copper and gold mine in northern Chile, the online edition of Rio de Janeiro daily O Globo reported.

The miners have been provided with oxygen, food and other helps via small bore holes.

Meanwhile, a parallel tunnel which was being constructed to rescue them has reached the area where they are trapped. But rescuers say it is expected to take several weeks to bring all the men to surface.