Brazil still produces the world's best soccer players, but the growing influence of agents has created a mountain of woes for the national side, Pele said on Monday.

The legendary Brazilian, the only player to win three World Cup championships, said the passion for soccer was as strong as ever but acknowledged the Selecao are struggling with a host of problems.

"We have not lost our passion for the game," Pele said in Kolkata at the start of a visit to India.