After a colon tumor was discovered, the Brazilian football icon spent time in hospital recently undergoing chemotherapy, raising serious concerns about his health.
Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele was released from a Sao Paulo hospital after getting chemotherapy for a colon tumor that was discovered, however, he will continue to be treated.
The 81-year-old was admitted to the Hospital Albert Einstein at the beginning of this month, spending most of December thereafter the tumor was identified during a regular check-up in September.
After surgery to remove the tumor, the three-time World Cup winner spent virtually the entire month of September in the hospital.
“The patient is stable and will continue to receive therapy for the colon tumor discovered in September,” Hospital Albert Einstein said in a statement.
He’s been given permission to return home just in time for the holidays, which is great news for the former Santos star and his legions of devoted fans.
Pele has frequently updated his social media followers on his status, most recently tweeting in November to say that he was ‘fine’ and ‘feeling better every day.‘
After his final treatment in 2021, the former goal-machine commented on Instagram about how he was ‘having minimal chemotherapy sessions.’
“I wanted to tell you about this accomplishment.” After all, don’t you believe every small triumph is cause for celebration?’ he wrote, accompanied with a photo of himself appearing pleased with his progress.
“Don’t be alarmed; I’m only getting ready for the holidays!”
Concerns among football fans grew when Pele returned to hospital earlier this month, but it was stated that he would be freed in a ‘few days.’
Pele’s eldest daughter, Kely Nascimento, also updated followers with an Instagram post after his re-admittance in early December.
“For me, my sister Flavia Kurtz is hugging him!” He’ll be back in two or three days to celebrate Christmas,” she added.
“This was not unexpected.” It was originally planned and is included in the treatment. I owe you my undying thanks.”
Pele’s health has long been a source of concern for friends, family, and fans, with the Brazilian icon in and out of hospitals over the last six years.
Pele underwent prostate surgery in 2015 after being admitted to the hospital twice in two months, before returning in 2019 owing to a urinary infection.
Pele is still largely considered as the greatest Brazilian player of all time, decades after he last booted a ball professionally.
Pele won his first world cup as a teenager in 1958 and went on to win two more in 1962 and 1970, en route to become the Seleço’s all-time leading goal scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches.
