The legendary Brazilian soccer player Pele is doing well and is still in stable condition, according to a statement made on Saturday by the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.
The 82-year-old patient has been there since Tuesday.
According to medical staff, he is receiving antibiotics to treat an infection while undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.
“He is still undergoing treatment and remains in stable condition,” they said.
Pele said on Saturday that he feels “strong, with a lot of hope.”
“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,” Pele said in a statement on Instagram.
“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.”
Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, has been battling health problems in recent months.
Since having a tumor removed from his colon in September 2021, he has been regularly receiving hospital care.
Newspaper Folha de S.Paulo reported Saturday that Pele’s chemotherapy was not working and that doctors had decided to put him on palliative care.
But his family members and hospital staff have so far not confirmed the information.
ESPN Brasil reported Wednesday that Pele was taken to the hospital because of a “general swelling.”
Pele is regarded as one of the best football players of all time. He was a striker who played for Brazil, Santos, and the New York Cosmos.
In 1958, 1962, and 1970, He helped Brazil win the World Cup thrice.
With 77 goals in 92 games, he ranks as the Brazilian team’s all-time top goalscorer.
He has received messages of encouragement from fans all over the world.
Additionally, buildings in Qatar, which will host the FIFA World Cup in 2022, have been adorned with messages of encouragement wishing him a quick recovery.