Brazil legend Pele, 81, undergoes treatment for a colon tumour as hospital confirms that three-time World Cup winner is ‘stable and expected to be released in the next few days’
- Pele has been readmitted to hospital for follow-up treatment on a colon tumour
- 81-year-old was admitted earlier this week, and is now recovering on a ward
- Daughter Kely said treatment was ‘scheduled’ and he would be home in two days
- Pele first underwent surgery for the tumour back in September, and since October has been having chemotherapy at home
Brazilian footballing legend Pele has returned to hospital for treatment on a colon tumour following surgery to remove the growth earlier this year.
The 81-year-old’s medical team said Wednesday that he has been readmitted to Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo for ‘follow up treatment’ without saying what the treatment is, or giving an update on the condition of his tumour.
‘The patient is stable, and is expected to be released in the coming days,’ the statement added. Doctors had previously said that Pele would undergo chemotherapy, but that this would happen from home.
Kely Nascimento, eldest daughter of the three-time World Cup winner, gave fans an update on his health Wednesday – posting a picture of him smiling after what she called a scheduled operation, saying he will return home ‘in two or three days’.
Pele, often held up as one of the greatest footballers ever, has returned to hospital for follow-up treatment on his colon tumour (pictured in hospital on Wednesday with daughter Flavia)
Pele (pictured with wife Marcia Aoki and his medical team) first had surgery on the tumour in September, and was released from hospital in October to have chemotherapy at home
She wrote: ‘My sister Flavia Kurtz is giving him a hug for me! In two or three days he returns home to enjoy Christmas.
‘This was not a surprise. It was already scheduled and is part of the treatment. All my gratitude, always.’
Pele, often held up as the greatest to have played the game and still Brazil’s all-time record goal-scorer, was first diagnosed with cancer back in August.
Doctors discovered the tumour in his right colon during a routine check-up.
He underwent emergency surgery in September, and spent a month recovering in hospital including a short stay on an intensive care ward.
He was released from hospital in October, and returned home to continue his recovery. Medical staff said at the time that he would undergo chemotherapy.
As he was released from hospital, Pele shared a photo of himself alongside wife Marcia Aoki and his doctors and nurses, writing: ‘When the path is difficult, celebrate each step of the journey. Focus on your happiness.
‘It’s true that I can’t jump anymore, but these past few days, I’ve been punching the air more times than usual. I am so happy to be back at home.
‘I want to thank the entire Albert Einstein Hospital team, who made my stay a pleasant one, with a humane and very affectionate welcome.
Pele last updated his fans on his health three weeks ago, when he posted this picture along with a caption which said: ‘I’m fine. I feel better every day’
Pele is regarded as Brazil’s greatest ever player and guided his country to three World Cups
‘Thanks also to all of you, who from afar, make my life complete with so many messages of love.’
Pele won the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups, and remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches.
Pele has suffered a series of health issues over the last decade, particularly with his hip, and he cannot walk unaided.
His public appearances were already being cut before the COVID-19 pandemic and since then he has made few unnecessary forays outside his house near Santos.
His son Edinho said last year his father was depressed, something Pele later denied.
Officially, he scored 757 goals during a glittering career – club Santos claim his tally was closer to 1,000 – leaving him behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Josef Biscan on the all-time list.
Additionally, he was was only recently overtaken as the top international goalscorer in South American history, when Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina in their World Cup qualifier last week.
Messi has recorded his huge tally in 153 caps for Argentina, while Pele netted his 77 goals in 92 official matches for Brazil.
Advertisement
