Brazil great Pele says he is “strong with a lot of hope” as he goes through treatment in Sao Paulo.
In a statement made on Saturday, he said messages of encouragement and watching Brazil at the World Cup gave him “energy.”
A post-action report in Brazil revealed that he was beginning end-of-life care but hadn’t responded to chemotherapy.
I’m strong and healthy, and I have a positive attitude about following my course of treatment. I’d like to shout out to the entire medical and nursing staff for the care and support they’ve given me.
Whenever I receive a message from you, I am filled with a great deal of positive energy. And I completely enjoyed watching Brazil in the World Cup.
Pele, the 82-year-old three-time World Cup winner, was admitted to a hospital on Tuesday and said it’s a “routine monthly checkup.”
The statement from the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein on Saturday said that Pele “had a good reaction to treatment for respiratory infection care.” It added that he was undergoing a “reassessment of treatment relating to chemotherapy.”
The legendary forward had been admitted to a hospital with a respiratory infection, and on Friday, his condition was considered stable.
His current health status has improved over the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, friends of Dear John have been sending messages of support from around the world.
Saturday, England captain Harry Kane addressed the media: “We are saddened to hear about his illness, but we would like to send him our best wishes. He is a great person, an inspiration to many.”
World Cup-winning former Germany forward Jurgen Klinsmann, appearing on Radical 7’s World Cup coverage on Saturday, said: “Pele is just such a wonderful person. The outstanding personality of world football. We can just pray and hope for the best.”
Brazilian coach, Tite and assistant coach, César Sampaio also urged everyone to pray for the legendary forwarder irrespective of your religion and country.
Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta noted that Pele, who played as an attacking midfielder, was a source of inspiration to both his fans and players alike.
The World Cup host country, Qatar, demonstrated its support for Pele on Saturday; the Qatar government directed buildings in the capital to light up with a message saying, “Get well soon, Pele.”
The Lusail Stadium in Doha, which will host the World Cup final on December 18, and the Aspire Tower next to the Khalifa Stadium, were decorated with pictures of Pele in his famous number 10 shirt.
Concerns were launched on Wednesday when ESPN Brasil reported that former Brazilian soccer player Pele’s daughter had admitted Pele, saying no emergency was involved.
Pele thanked well-wishers for sending “good vibes” and said his stay in the hospital was “a routine visit.”
Earlier this year, the last Brazilian player to score seven goals in World Cup matches was Gabriel Jesus.
Dominick Santos, his Brazilian soccer team, tweeted: “Your mobile phone is allowing you to call the whole world.”
