Pele's Latest Conditions After Natural Respiratory Infections

Pele (Photo: AFP via ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Brazilian football legend Pele, who was taken to hospital this week due to cancer. Pele had respiratory infections but was in stable condition and showed general improvement.

The 82-year-old football icon, whose health has been fragile in recent years, is hospitalized Tuesday in Sao Paulo for what doctors say is the "reevaluation" of chemotherapy he has undergone since surgery to remove a colon tumor in September 2021.

"The medical team diagnosed him with respiratory infections, which are being treated with antibiotics," the hospital said in a statement, as quoted by AFP.

"The patient's response is adequate, and he remains in the standard room," he said.

"He is stable and his health has shown general improvement. (He) will remain in the hospital in the coming days to continue treatment," he said as quoted by ANTARA.

Pele's public appearance is getting rarer, but he remains active on social media. On Thursday, he via Instagram thanked the sympathizers for their messages, posting photos from Qatar World Cup host countries, where his photos are projected in light in skyscrapers.

"It's always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thank you to Qatar for this award, and to everyone who sent me good vibes!" he wrote, describing his hospital stay as a regular visit."

Pele received more support messages ahead of Brazil's five-time World Cup match against Cameroon Friday.

Fans at the Lusail stadium raised a giant green-yellow banner with a picture of Pele with his iconic number 10 jersey and the message, "Get well soon." The same message was displayed on the streets outside the stadium.

Pele is considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time. Owner of real name Edson Arantes do Nascimento is the only player in history to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970).