The legendary Brazilian soccer player Pelé, who was admitted to the hospital earlier this week, gave an update on his health on Saturday, writing on social media that he had “a lot of hope” as he continues to receive treatment for a colon tumor.
Following his hospitalization in Sao Paulo on Wednesday, Pelé’s daughter, Kely Nascimento, stated that there was “no emergency,” despite lots of alarm in the media today over her father’s health.
According to the Associated Press, the hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo confirmed in a statement this week that Pelé was admitted on Tuesday “for a reevaluation of the chemotherapy treatment of the tumor.”
In a message posted on Instagram on Saturday, 82-year-old Pelé stated, “My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive.” “I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual. I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received.”
The legendary soccer player added that he was watching Brazil’s World Cup matches and said, he has a lot of faith in God and every word of love he receives from you all across the world keeps him full of energy.
The host nation of the World Cup, Qatar, also offered encouragement to Pelé by writing “Get Well Soon” on a video screen.
With 77 goals in 92 games, Pelé continues to hold the record for most goals scored in Brazil. Incredibly, he guided the group to three World Cup victories in 1958, 1962, and 1970.