Brazilian football legend Pele moved to palliative care in hospital
- Pele was admitted to hospital to re-evaluate his treatment for colon cancer on Tuesday and was later diagnosed with a respiratory infection
- Pele took to social media on Thursday night to thank his supporters for their well wishes during his fight against cancer
Football legend Pele has been moved to palliative care in a hospital, a Brazilian news outlet reported on Saturday.
Pele, 82, who had a tumour removed from his colon in September 2021, is “no longer responding to chemotherapy” and is being treated only for symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath, Folha de S. Paulo newspaper reported. He was admitted to hospital to re-evaluate his treatment for colon cancer on Tuesday and was later diagnosed with a respiratory infection.
“The medical staff diagnosed a respiratory infection, which has been treated with antibiotics. His response has been good and the patient, who is in the regular room, is stable with better healthy condition,” the hospital said in a statement. “The former player still be hospitalised in the next days to maintain the treatment.”
Players at the Fifa World Cup in Qatar have expressed concern for the health of the three-time World Cup winner.
France striker Kylian Mbappe on Saturday tweeted: “Pray for the King.”
England captain Harry Kane offered his support for Pele at a press conference ahead of his team’s last-16 tie against Senegal.
“We send our best wishes to him and obviously all his family as well,” said Kane. “He is an inspiration amongst our game and an incredible footballer and incredible person. We wish him well.”
