Pele cancer, kidney and heart illness worsen
Brazilian soccer legend Pele will spend Christmas in hospital, his medical team and family said Wednesday, as he receives treatment for worsening cancer as well as kidney and heart problems.
The 82-year-old man “needs more attention for kidney and heart problems,” said the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.
He also reported “advancement” of his cancer, but said Pele was not in intensive care.
Pelé, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, was admitted to a hospital in Sao Paulo on November 29 for what his medical team called an evaluation of his chemotherapy, which he has been receiving since undergoing surgery to remove a colon tumor in September. 2021.
Doctors also diagnosed Pelé, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, with a respiratory infection.
Earlier this month, Pele’s daughters, Kely Nascimento and Flavia Arantes, sought to reassure fans about his condition, denying reports that Pele was placed in casualty care as his supporters continued to vigil outside the hospital.
They said on Instagram on Wednesday that they would spend Christmas with their father in hospital.
“Our Christmas at home is on hold,” they wrote.
“We have decided with the doctors that, for various reasons, it is best for us to stay here with all the care that this new Einstein family is giving us!!”
Accompanied by a photo of themselves smiling, the sisters thanked Pele’s fans for their support and wished them a happy holiday.
“We’re going to turn this room into a Sambadrome (just kidding), we’re even going to make caipirinhas (just kidding!!)”, they joked, referring to the famous Brazilian cocktail.
The brothers promised an update next week.
‘The King’
Pelé rose to prominence from a young age and took the 1958 World Cup by storm at the age of 17, scoring a hat-trick in the semi-finals and two more goals in the final, making history and launching a national team dynasty. of Brazil. .
Pele scored over 1,000 goals in one of the most prestigious careers in the game. He is the only player in history to win the World Cup three times (1958, 1962 and 1970).
In recent years, the man nicknamed “The King” has suffered from declining health and his public appearances have become rare.
He handled his illness with good humor, staying active on social media.
