Pele has broken his silence after reports emerged he has been moved to ‘end-of-life palliative care’ following his worsening health condition.
The football world was agog and thrown into mourning after it was confirmed that the former Brazil international and legendary football ball icon was moved to ‘end-of-life’ palliative care in the Albeit Einstein’s hospital in Sao Paulo.
Pele had reportedly stopped responding to treatment and had to be moved to the palliative care unit to cushion the effects of the ailments.
This sad development had sparked fears among footballers, clubs and fans with the likes of PSG forward and France international among top stars that offered their prayers.
Pele’s former club, Dos Santos also offered prayers, including La Liga giant and European champions Real Madrid.
On Tuesday December 1, 2022, Pele was taken to the Albeit Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo after he developed ‘body swelling’ and ‘heart failure.’
After a series of tests and medical examinations, the hospital cleared the air on the condition and well-being of Pele, saying he is in a ‘stable condition and receiving treatments’.
However, a contrary report which circulated online and was confirmed by Brazil media outlets on Saturday, December 3, said Pele had ‘stopped responding to treatment and has been moved to end-of-life palliative care.’
The news sent shock waves of reaction across the football world, with many beginning to offer prayers for the football icon, wishing him a speedy recovery.
While fear gripped football fans worldwide on the condition of the football icon, with prayers and well-wishers flooding in, Pele took to his social media handle to reply to the messages of love and also urged for calm.
He also addressed his health condition at the Albeit Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo as speculations and fears on his well-being continue to mount.
The football icon urged for ‘calm and positive thinking,’ saying he is ‘strong and ‘hopeful and following treatment as usual.’
Taking to his social media handle, Pele wrote, ”My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive thinking. I’m strong, very hopeful, and following my treatment as usual’.
Pele also thanked the medical team at the Albeit Einstein hospital ‘for all the zeal he has been receiving,’ saying ‘he has a lot of faith in God and the messages of love.’
‘I want to thank the whole medical and nursing team, for all the zeal I’ve been receiving. I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you, coming all over the world, keeps me full of energy. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too! Thank you so much for everything.”
Pele has been battling bowel cancer and other medical challenges impacting his well-being. The 82-year-old once underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his intestines.
While he has not been permanently disabled, Pele has reportedly struggled with mobility and has needed assistance to perform basic routines.
However, he has remained optimistic even in the direst of circumstances and have been active on his social media handles.
Pele is one the greatest football player of all time. He was the only player who won the World Cup three times in his international career with the Brazil national team.
