After an outpouring of concern online in reaction to unsubstantiated claims that he had been transferred to palliative care, the Brazilian football legend Pelé tweeted on Instagram on Saturday evening that he is feeling “strong” and “with optimism.”
“I want to keep everyone calm and optimistic,” Pelé stated, presenting the latest medical report from the Albert Einstein hospital in So Paulo, which indicates that his condition is stable. “I continue my treatment as prescribed.”
Pelé, who helped the Brazilian national team win three World Cups, concluded his message by urging supporters to watch the seleço compete in this year’s tournament. Pelé is 82 years old. On Monday, Brazil will meet South Korea in Doha.
Before his hospitalization this week, the hospital said that Pelé’s status remained stable while he battled colon cancer. The medical personnel reported that he has reacted well to treatment for a respiratory infection and that his condition has not worsened over the past 24 hours. On Tuesday, he was brought to the hospital to reevaluate his cancer therapy.
The Brazilian newspaper Folha de So Paulo reported on Saturday morning that Pelé is undergoing palliative care after failing to respond to chemotherapy treatment for his cancer.
The publication reports that Pelé has stopped getting chemotherapy and is now receiving end-of-life care, including treatment for symptoms like discomfort and shortness of breath.
The Albert Einstein hospital in So Paulo refused to confirm allegations that The King, a football great, is receiving palliative care, stating that it would only communicate via official bulletins.
A medical report released on Friday indicated that Pelé was receiving antibiotic treatment for a respiratory illness. The assessment stated that his condition was “stable, with an overall improvement in his health status.
Following reports that Pelé is getting palliative care, football legends of the past and present, including French player Kylian Mbappé, posted well wishes on social media. “Pray for The King,” tweeted Mbappé.
Pelé said on Instagram on Thursday that he was making his “weekly visit” to the hospital to comfort his fans. He uploaded a photograph of a Qatari structure illuminated with a message wishing him a speedy recovery and praised the World Cup-hosting nation for “the tribute.”
His daughter, Kely Nascimento, who is in Qatar for the event, also attempted to allay health fears regarding the football star. “The media is panicking out again,” she stated Thursday on social media, adding that her siblings were with their father and that Pelé’s health did not necessitate her to return to Brazil immediately.
Pelé, who was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is regarded as one of the best footballers in history. He rose to international prominence at the age of 17 when he scored six goals for Brazil in the 1958 World Cup, including two in the final as Brazil defeated Sweden to claim their first world championship.
In recent years, Pelé, who retired from sports in 1977, has been experiencing health issues. In September 2021, he was diagnosed with colon cancer and spent two weeks in the hospital last December.
