Brazilian soccer legend Pele (82) is receiving palliative care after chemotherapy stopped having the expected results as he battles colon cancer, newspaper Folha de S.Paulo reported on Saturday.
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Pele, who is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, was admitted to hospital on Tuesday to re-evaluate his cancer treatment and was later diagnosed with a respiratory infection, according to medical reports.
“I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual,” Pele said. “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”.
His manager and the Albert Einstein Hospital, in Sao Paulo, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A medical report released on Friday said Pele had an adequate response to an antibiotic treatment and was in a stable condition “with general improvement in health status”.
He had a tumor removed from his colon in September 2021 and has been receiving hospital treatment on a regular basis.
Folha de S.Paulo reported that chemotherapy had been suspended and that Pele was under palliative care, and being treated only for symptoms such as pain and shortness of breathe.
The newspaper also said he had a general swelling and cardiac issues when admitted to hospital earlier this week, as previously reported by ESPN Brasil.
His manager, family members and the hospital have not confirmed that information.
Pele said in an Instagram post on Thursday that he was at the hospital for a “monthly visit” and thanked his supporters for the positive messages he had received.
The former Brazil, Santos and New York Cosmos striker posted a picture of his face projected on a building in Qatar, where the World Cup is being held, next to a message saying “Get well soon”.
A sign with the same message was displayed by Brazilian fans at the Lusail Stadium on Friday ahead of the national team’s 1-0 defeat against Cameroon.
Messages of support came in from players and fans at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
French striker Kylian Mbappe tweeted, “Pray for the King”.
England captain Harry Kane said the whole national team wished him well.
“We send our best wishes to him and his family as well. (He is an) inspiration amongst our game, incredible footballer, incredible person,” Kane said.
The Torch tower in Doha was also lighted up on Saturday with a message of support saying “get well soon” and a picture of his face.
