Reports from Brazil indicate three-time World Cup winner Pele is now in a stable condition.
The iconic striker had recently been put into palliative care after his body reportedly struggled to respond to the chemo therapy he was receiving. However, a report from a hospital in Sao Paulo has brought some positive news.
A statement claimed he is “still undergoing treatment and remains stable”.
Read More: Pele ‘moved to end of life care’ as World Cup winner battles cancer in hospital
A statement from the Albert Einstein Israeli hospital said: “He [Pelé] has shown good response to the respiratory infection care, not showing any worsening of his condition in the last 24 hours.”
On Pele’s Instagram account, a post on Saturday evening read: “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.”
This will certainly be received with immense positivity after a very concerning week for Pele and his family. Earlier reports had claimed the Santos legend was beginning end-of-life care after not responding to chemotherapy.
He has been in hospital on Tuesday in what was initially deemed as a “routine monthly visit”. In September 2021, he underwent an operation that saw a tumour removed from his colon.
However, he was soon diagnosed with a respiratory infection. Fortunately, his symptoms do not appear to have worsened over the last 24 hours.
Tributes from all around the world poured in towards the football legend. England captain Harry Kane said: “We are very sad to hear news of him being ill but we wish him well, not just me but the whole England set-up.
“He’s an inspiration, an incredible person.” World Cup hosts Qatar also showed its support by lighting up some buildings with a ‘Get Well Soon” message written over it.
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