Pele: Brazil legend says he is ‘strong with a lot of hope’

Pele, a famous soccer player from Brazil, says he is “strong and full of hope” as he gets treatment in a Sao Paulo hospital.

In a statement released on Saturday, he said that messages of support and watching Brazil play in the World Cup had given him “energy.”

Earlier, the hospital had said he was “still undergoing treatment and remains stable”.

It comes after a report from Brazil that he was getting end-of-life care after chemotherapy didn’t work.

“My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive,” he said in a statement on Instagram.

“I’m strong, I have a lot of hope, and I’m still getting my treatment. I’d like to thank everyone on the medical and nursing teams for taking care of me.

“I believe in God a lot, and every message of love I get from you all over the world keeps me going. And watching Brazil in the World Cup too!

“I really appreciate everything you’ve done.”

The three-time World Cup winner, who is 82 years old, has been in the hospital since Tuesday. On Thursday night, he said that it was a “routine monthly visit.”

In September 2021, he had a growth taken out of his colon.

The Hospital Israelite Albert Einstein said in a statement on Saturday that Pele “responded well to treatment for respiratory infection care.” It also said that his chemotherapy treatment was being looked at again.

The famous forward was diagnosed with a respiratory infection, and the hospital said on Friday that his condition was stable.

Saturday’s statement said that his health has not gotten worse in the last 24 hours.

At the same time, people from all over the world have sent messages of support.

“He gives me hope.”
England’s captain, Harry Kane, spoke on Saturday and said: “We are very sad to hear that he is sick, but I and the whole England team wish him well. He is a great person and a source of inspiration.”

On BBC One’s World Cup coverage on Saturday, Jurgen Klinsmann, a former Germany forward who won the World Cup, said: “Pele is a really great person. The most famous football player in the world. We can only pray for the best and hope for it.”

Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta added on BBC One: “Hearing about Pele is very sad news. On and off the field, he has been a great example for all of us. He has always been a wonderful person.”

Kylian Mbappe, a forward for France, tweeted, “Pray for the King.”

Doha’s Torch tower, also called the Aspire Tower, was lit up by a screen with a picture of Pele and a message of support for the former Brazil player.
Qatar, which is hosting the World Cup, showed its support for Pele on Saturday by putting “Get well soon” messages on buildings.

The Lusail Stadium in Doha, which will host the World Cup final on 18 December, and the Aspire Tower next to the Khalifa Stadium, were adorned with pictures of Pele in his famous number 10 shirt.

When ESPN Brasil said on Wednesday that Pele had been admitted, people were worried, but his daughter Kely Nascimento said there was “no emergency.”

Pele thanked those who sent him “good vibes” on Friday and said that his stay in the hospital was “a routine visit.”

The former forward scored 77 goals in 92 games and four World Cups, making him Brazil’s all-time top scorer.

Santos, the only Brazilian team he ever played for, tweeted, “King Pele, the whole world sends you good wishes.”

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