TheCable

Pele, Brazilian football legend, is now experiencing “progressive improvement” following reports of a worsening battle with cancer.

According to AP, the update on the 82-year-old’s health was announced in a statement released by Albert Einstein hospital, São Paulo, on Tuesday.

The hospital said Pele is being treated for a respiratory infection and has been responding to treatment.

“Edson Arantes do Nascimento was admitted to the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein on the 29th for a reassessment of the chemotherapy treatment for the colon tumour, identified in September 2021,” the statement reads.

“The patient continues to evolve with progressive improvement in his general condition, especially the respiratory infection.

“He remains in a common room, with stable vital signs, conscious and without new complications.”

On Saturday, Folha de S Paulo, a Brazilian newspaper, reported that Pele had been transferred to a palliative care ward in the hospital after he stopped responding to chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer.

According to the paper, the chemotherapy had been suspended with only palliative care for pain and shortness of breath being administered to him.

However, a day later, the three times World Cup winner took to his Instagram page where he said he is “strong” and undergoing his treatment “as usual.”

The football universe has been sending well wishes to Pele since the news of his recent health failure emerged.

The Brazilian team posed with the banner of a young Pele following their victory over South Korea in the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.

Pele was diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2021 and spent two weeks in the hospital in December of the same year.

Regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, Pele rose to international fame at just 17 and led Brazil to three World Cup triumphs.