One of the greatest footballers of all time, Pele, has left the Intensive Care Unite of Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The 80-year-old Brazilian football icon has been at the hospital since August 27 after he was diagnosed with a tumor in his colon. He had to undergo surgery for the tumor to be removed.
After the successful operation, the football star remained at the intensive care unit of the hospital for over two weeks.
Earlier in the week, Kely Nascimento, the eldest daughter of Pele and the management of the hospital announced that the three-time FIFA World Cup winner would leave the ICU before the weekend.
On Wednesday, September 15, the football legend took to his Instagram page to confirm that he has left the ICU and is currently in his room.
In the Instagram post, Pele shared his most recent picture and used the caption to thank those who have been wishing him well since he was bedridden.
He wrote: “My friends, this is a message for each of you. Don’t think for a minute that I haven’t read the thousands of loving messages I’ve received around here,” Pele said on Instagram.
“Thank you very much to each one of you, who dedicated a minute of your day to send me positive energy. Love, love, and love! I have already left the ICU and I am in my room.
“I continue every day happier, with a lot of disposition to play 90 minutes, plus extra time. We will be together soon!”
Pele honors his first idol Zizinho
Pele is the idol of most football greats and also has a football idol in the person of late Zizinho. The Brazilian football icon who died on 8 February 2002 aged 80, turned 100 years old (posthumous) on September 14 and Pele ensured that he marked the late footballer’s birthday.
Zizinho played for the Brazilian national team between 1942–1957. The late attacking midfielder made about 53 appearances in which he scored 30 goals.
He led Brazil to the 1950 FIFA World Cup final but could not win the trophy. Zizinho also led Brazil to 5 Copa America finals and won one out of the five.
Before he retired from professional football between 1961 and 1962, Zizinho played for Brazilian clubs like Flamengo, Bangu, and São Paulo.
“My first idol turned 100 years old yesterday”, Pele wrote on Instagram on Wednesday, September 15, 2021.
“As I was still settling into my room, I couldn’t honor Zizinho that day. Master Ziza was incredible and for him, I have a deep feeling of gratitude.
“The sport’s memory must always be preserved and greatly respected, as life is a cycle. There are magic players today who will inspire new stars to emerge in the future. And that’s what makes football eternal. Happy 100 years old, Zizinho.”
