PELE has broken his silence after being put on end-of-life care, insisting he remains “full of energy”.
The Brazilian legend, 82, who won the World Cup three times with his country from 1958 to 1970, was hospitalised earlier this week after he stopped responding to chemotherapy as he battles bowel cancer.
But now he has provided fans with a positive update about his health.
And he even took the time to call on football fans to watch the current Brazil team at the Qatar World Cup.
Speaking on social media, he said: “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.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
“I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received.
“I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full of energy. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too!
“Thank you so much for everything. 🙏🏾.”
Pele is receiving treatment in a palliative care ward which is designed to reduce pain and optimise the quality of life among people with serious illness.
Most read in Football
Some of football’s biggest names have spoken up about the iconic sportsman since news of his poor health earlier this week.
England captain Harry Kane said: “First and foremost we send our best wishes to him and all his family as well.
“He is an inspiration amongst our game, an incredible footballer, an incredible person, and to hear those words from him back then for me.
“I always feel like someone who is always learning and continues to learn and he was spot on with some advice to me.
“Sad to hear that news, but we wish him well, not just me and the whole England set-up.”
France superstar Kylian Mbappe also paid tribute, tweeting: “Pray for the King.”
And Brazilians Rivaldo and Vinicius Jr added “Strength King” to their social media channels.
Pele is considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Along with his three World Cup wins, he scored 643 goals in 659 in official matches for club side Santos.
Read More on The Sun
That incredible record added to his 77 goals in 92 matches for Brazil.
He has been fighting his condition since he was diagnosed with a tumour in his large intestine in August last year.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
