Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele said on Saturday that he feels “strong, with a lot of hope” despite medical problems that have kept him in the hospital with a respiratory infection. Pele, who has been undergoing treatment for colon cancer was hospitalized earlier this week. A Brazilian newspaper on Saturday reported that the 82-year-old is receiving palliative care after he stopped responding to chemotherapy which left his fans all around the world worried.
“My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive. I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual. I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received. I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full of energy. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too. Thank you so much for everything,” he wrote on Instagram.
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Pele’s Instagram post was accompanied by an official medical bulletin of Albert Einstein Hospital, which stated that their patient remains stable and is responding well to the treatment with no deterioration of his condition noticed in the last 24 hours.
“Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele) was admitted to Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein last Tuesday (29) for a reassessment of chemotherapy therapy for the colon tumor, identified in September 2021. He is still undergoing treatment and his health status remains stable. He has also had a good response to care for the respiratory infection, with no worsening of the condition in the last 24 hours,” read the statement.
Pele is the only player to win three Football World Cups
Pele, 82, is the only player in the history of football to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970) and is one of the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century. He scored more than 1,200 goals in one of the most storied careers in sport, before retiring in 1977.
Pele impressed everyone from an early age and took the 1958 World Cup by storm. He was just 17 years old when he netted a hat trick in the semifinals and two more goals in the final which catapulted his career and launched the soccer dynasty of the Brazilian national team.
Here’s how fans reacted to Pele’s announcement:
I don’t care what anyone says no one will change my mind. Pele was the greatest footballer to ever grace a football pitch. Not a single player has ever come close to his standard. Legends live forever.
— Polar bear Tom (@PolarbearTom22) December 4, 2022
Wishing you all the best King Pele!
— Rabarivelo Hobiniaina (@RabariveloHobi1) December 4, 2022
Pele. Sorry to hear that. I hope you are better now.
— Richard Martins. (@richielovall) December 4, 2022
I pray for Legendary pele??
— Godson Cherechi (@godson_cherechi) December 4, 2022
So sad. But he must witness Messi lifting that much coveted world cup trophy ? at long last. Maradona didn't get to witness Leo doing it before he passed, so Pele should please recover asap and witness this remarkable feat.
— SON OF THE G.O.A.T ? ? (@Yanfiey) December 4, 2022
We love you and pray for you Pele, the King ????
— Eve (@vex33) December 4, 2022
Get well soon Pele
— Logan (@Logan04715405) December 4, 2022
I was talking about Pele
Hopefully musk turns off his life support
— Biggus Dickus (@TomPWAFC2) December 4, 2022
Wish of Pele is to see African nations win the World Cup , prayers to Pele and best wishes for the African nations who have made it through. The camels, lions,… will continue to march. #African #Eritrea #NoMore pic.twitter.com/Q9jYt1hfTA
— tedros (@tedros_kif_STV) December 4, 2022
Heartbroken hear that three-time World Cup winner #Pele has been moved to palliative end-of-life care in hospital in #faho in #saopaulo after not responding to chemotherapy for #bowelcancer. I have always respected Pele as a player & hope that he gets better
— OneClubSince1888 (@1888_Celticbhoy) December 4, 2022
