Doctors treating Brazilian football legend Pele said yesterday the 82-year-old remained “stable” after developing a respiratory infection with his condition not having deteriorated over the last 24 hours.
Pele, who was hospitalised this week amid ongoing cancer treatments, “has had a good response to care without any worsening in the clinical picture in the last 24 hours,” doctors at Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital said in a statement.
Doctors made no reference to media reports earlier yesterday that the three-time World Cup winner, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, was receiving end-of-life care.
Pele was admitted to hospital earlier this week for what doctors said was a “re-evaluation” of the chemotherapy he has been undergoing since surgery to remove a colon tumour in September last year. The latest medical note came after newspaper Folha de S.Paulo earlier in the day reported that the soccer legend had been receiving palliative care after chemotherapy stopped having the expected results.
The newspaper also said he had a general swelling and cardiac issues when admitted to hospital earlier this week, as previously reported by ESPN Brasil.
His manager, family members and the hospital have not confirmed that information.
On Thursday, Pele said in an Instagram post that he was at the hospital for a “monthly visit” and thanked his supporters for the positive messages he had received.
The former Brazil, Santos and New York Cosmos forward posted a picture of his face projected on a building in Qatar, where the World Cup is being held, next to a message saying “Get well soon”.
A sign with the same message was displayed by Brazilian fans at the Lusail Stadium on Friday ahead of the national team’s 1-0 defeat against Cameroon.
Meanwhile, players at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar, expressed their support for Pele.
France striker Kylian Mbappe yesterday tweeted: “Pray for the King.”
England captain Harry Kane offered his support for Pele at a press conference ahead of his team’s last-16 tie against Senegal.
“We send our best wishes to him and obviously all his family as well,” said Kane.
“He is an inspiration amongst our game and an incredible footballer and incredible person. We wish him well.”