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    Family of Pele gather at hospital to be beside Brazilian World Cup legend at Christmas as his cancer worsens

    PELE’S family have gathered to be beside him in hospital for Christmas as his cancer worsens.His children have posted emotional snaps of themselves and the Brazil legend in following his latest health scare.
    Pele’s daughter shared an emotional snap of them from the hospital to InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@KELYNASCIMENTO
    Pele’s family pictured at the Sao Paulo hospital where he’s being cared forCredit: Instagram
    Pele’s son Edinho has also been to see his fatherCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Brazil legend Pele, 82, was admitted to hospital in late NovemberCredit: AFP
    The three-time World Cup winner has been battling colon cancer for over a yearCredit: AFP
    The 82-year-old has been battling colon cancer since September of last year.
    Doctors said this week his cancer had advanced and that he requires care related to renal and cardiac dysfunction.
    His daughter Kely Nascimento posted a picture the family including his wife Marcia Aoki gathered at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo on Instagram.
    In an emotional post she wrote: “Almost all of them. Merry Christmas. Gratitude, love, togetherness, family.
    READ MORE ON PELE
    “The essence of Christmas. We thank you all for all the love and light you send.”
    Earlier she posted a picture of her hugging the three times World Cup winner as his granddaughter could be seen in the background laying on a sofa.
    “We continue to be here, in fight and in faith. Another night together,” she wrote.
    She also included a video of her father sleeping in bed while the family spoke to him.
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    The entire football world has kept Pele in their thoughts and prayers.
    He has received several messages of support since his hospitalisation, including from the French star Kylian Mbappe, who called on followers to “pray for the King.”
    Kely said: “Your love for him, your stories and your prayers are a HUGE comfort because we know we are not alone.
    “Let’s turn this room into a Sambadrome (just kidding), let’s even make caipirinhas (not kidding!!).”
    Pele’s son, Edinho, has also arrived at the hospital to show his support for his father.
    He posted a picture on Instagram of their hands holding each other, along with the emotional message: “Father… my strength is yours”.
    Despite being hospital-bound, Pele didn’t miss out on the sensational World Cup final between Argentina and France.
    He wrote on Instagram: “Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way.
    “[Lionel] Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved.
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    “My dear friend, Mbappe, scoring four goals in a final.
    “What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport.” More

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    ‘Dad… my strength is yours’ – Pele’s kids share emotional posts as they accompany Brazil World Cup legend in hospital

    PELE’s children have posted emotional snaps of themselves and the Brazil legend in hospital following his latest health scare.The three-time World Cup winner was admitted to hospital in late November after taking a turn for the worse.
    Pele’s daughter shared an emotional snap of them from the hospital to InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@KELYNASCIMENTO
    Pele’s son Edinho has also been to see his fatherCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Brazil legend Pele, 82, was admitted to hospital in late NovemberCredit: AFP
    The three-time World Cup winner has been battling colon cancer for over a yearCredit: AFP
    The 82-year-old – who has been battling colon cancer since September of last year – has yet to be discharged from the hospital, where his daughter shared a heartfelt snap of them.
    Kely Nascimento uploaded a picture of herself hugging her father in his hospital room on her Instagram page.
    Pele’s granddaughter could be seen in the background laying on a sofa.
    Kely’s accompanying caption read: “We continue to be here, in fight and in faith. Another night together.”
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    She also included a video of her father sleeping in bed while the family spoke to him.
    The entire football world has kept Pele in their thoughts and prayers since his admission to Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein hospital – where he’ll spend Christmas.
    And the outpouring of emotion has given him immense “comfort.”
    Kely said: “Your love for him, your stories and your prayers are a HUGE comfort because we know we are not alone.
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    “Let’s turn this room into a Sambadrome (just kidding), let’s even make caipirinhas (not kidding!!).”
    Pele’s son, Edinho, has also arrived at the hospital to show his support for his father.
    He posted a picture on Instagram of their hands holding each other, along with the emotional message: “Father… my strength is yours”.
    Pele is currently receiving treatment for cardiac and renal dysfunction.
    A recent hospital statement read: “Admitted since November 29 for a reassessment of chemotherapy therapy for colon tumour and treatment of a respiratory infection, Edson Arantes do Nascimento presents progression of the oncological disease and requires greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions.
    “The patient remains hospitalised in a common room, under the necessary care of the medical team.”
    Daughter Flavia said: “At the hospital, he is better assisted.
    “But he’s not in the ICU, he’s in a normal room. So he’s not at risk.
    Pele is widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all timeCredit: AFP
    “As a person with a more delicate health, it is better to be in the hospital.”
    Despite being hospital-bound, Pele didn’t miss out on the sensational World Cup final between Argentina and France last weekend.
    He wrote on Instagram: “Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way.
    “[Lionel] Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved.
    Read More on The Sun
    “My dear friend, Mbappe, scoring four goals in a final.
    “What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport.” More

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    Bristol Rovers star Nick Anderton to undergo chemotherapy as he reveals rare bone cancer is more aggressive than thought

    BRISTOL ROVERS star Nick Anderton has announced he will undergo chemotherapy after discovering his cancer was more aggressive than initially thought.The 26-year-old was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in his femur in July.
    Bristol Rovers star Nick Anderton will undergo chemo in his fight against cancerCredit: Getty
    The left-back and his club confirmed that he was suffering from Osteosarcoma – a cancer typically affecting long bones, such as legs and arms.
    He had an operation on 5 October to remove a tumour which was successful.
    But the biopsy revealed the cancerous cells are aggressive and require the ex-Blackpool, Preston, and Carlisle ace to have chemotherapy.
    And that bout of treatment is set to last several months.
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    Anderton said in a statement: “Following the recent announcement of my diagnosis with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, I have some further news that I wish to share.
    “I underwent a successful operation on Wednesday, October 5 to remove the tumorous area.
    “After the operation, the tumour was sent off for further analysis, and the biopsy revealed that the cancerous cells were more aggressive than previously thought.
    “Because of this I now need to undergo chemotherapy treatment. This process has not begun and will last for several months.
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    “I would like to thank my family, friends, fans, team-mates and the whole football community for their support – it means the world to me. Nick.”
    Tom Gorringe, the chief executive officer of League One Bristol Rovers, added: “Sadly, the prognosis Nick has received has developed over the past few months.
    “But we are all incredibly thankful that it was uncovered as early as it was and that he has been afforded such great care and support early on.
    “Nick remains an integral part of our squad and everyone has remained in constant contact with him to offer our support and to do what we can to try and help him and his family through this difficult time.
    “Nick’s response and positivity, despite the adversity he is currently facing, is admirable and he is an inspiration to us all.” More

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    Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli steps away from Italy role with immediate effect to focus on second battle with cancer

    CHELSEA legend Gianluca Vialli has stepped down from his role with the Italian national team in order to focus on a battle with cancer.Vialli, 58, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 before being given the all-clear in 2020.
    Gianluca Vialli during his Chelsea playing daysCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Vialli is stepping back from his role with Italy after his cancer returnedCredit: Getty
    However, it returned in 2021, and he has now confirmed he will be stepping back from all “professional commitments.”
    He said: “At the end of a long and difficult ‘negotiation’ with my wonderful team of oncologists I have decided to suspend, I hope temporarily, my present and future professional commitments.
    “The goal is to use all the psycho-physical energies to help my body overcome this phase of the disease, so that I will be able as soon as possible to face new adventures and share them with all of you.”
    Vialli was a key part of Roberto Mancini’s coaching staff on their way to winning Italy the European Championships in 2021.

    Speaking about return of his cancer last year, Vialli struck a defiant tone and declared he was determined to stay in the Italy set up.
    He said: “I feel good, but my journey is not yet complete.
    “The unwanted guest, as I call it, is still here with me. At this moment I am in maintenance mode.
    “The tumour is still there. At times it is more noticeable, at others less so
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    “I will keep fighting, because I want to be here for many more years. I want you to have to put up with me for a long time to come.
    “I take that strength from my family, friends, and all those who give me such courage. I can’t thank them enough.”
    The president of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina, thanked Vialli for his services and said the entire federation would support him in his recovery.
    He said: “Gianluca is an absolute protagonist of the Italian national team and will be in the future.
    “Thanks to his extraordinary strength of spirit, the Azzurri and the affection of the whole federal family, I am convinced he will be back soon. 
    “He can count on each of us, because we are a team, on and off the pitch.”
    Vialli scored 40 goals in 87 appearances for the Blues over three years at the club.
    He retired at Stamford Bridge in 1999.
    Prior to his stint with Chelsea, the Italian was best known for his exploits in Serie A for Sampdoria and Juventus, winning the league with both and winning a Champions League with the Old Lady. More

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    Tearful fans back Chris Kamara as he reveals he feels like a ‘fraud’ due to speech problem in heartbreaking documentary

    CHRIS KAMARA has revealed the true extent of his speech problem in a new ITV documentary – and how it has left the much-loved presenter feeling like a fraud.The ‘Chris Kamara: Lost for Words’ shows the 64-year-old embarking on his brave journey of trying to discover a deeper insight into his recent diagnosis of Apraxia of Speech (AOS).
    ‘Chris Kamara: Lost for Words’ will air on ITV at 9pm on WednesdayCredit: Rex
    The energetic and lovable TV footie pundit — affectionately known as Kammy — revealed in March that he had been privately battling the rare neurological disorder apraxia of speech.
    It makes it difficult to pronounce words correctly.
    In an exclusive chat with The Sun, he told of his guilt that his voice might have been saved had he gone to see the doctor sooner.
    Now Kammy, is giving his legion of fans access into life with AOS and his battle to accept his diagnosis.
    READ MORE CHRIS KAMARA NEWS
    Kammy’s presenting style and sheer enthusiasm made him a huge hit with football fans.
    But he has admitted he now finds it difficult to watch himself on TV and “feels a fraud in terms of broadcasting” – leaving him wondering whether he should continue doing what he loves.
    From his initial denials through to his diagnosis and now to the disciplined way he manages his therapy, the documentary follows him as he seeks advice from experts.
    And he also meets with other AOS sufferers who are battling the rare condition.
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    Kamara said: “This documentary is a very personal one for me. I am really keen to raise awareness about Apraxia of Speech/Dyspraxia.
    “Little is known about it which makes the diagnosis so much harder to navigate.
    “Hopefully by sharing my story it will raise awareness and also help people who may also be living with this condition by showing them that there are ways to manage it and to still live a fulfilling life.”
    The documentary will air on ITV at 9pm on Wednesday.
    Fans who have seen the trailer hailed the former Bradford star for bravely sharing his story – and urged him to carry on broadcasting.
    One wrote: “Such a funny and lovely man, always a joy to watch on TV. I hope he continues with his TV career if he can. Sending love and prayers to him.”
    Another added: “Kammy you are and always will be a tv legend. Keep your head up people still want to see you on the telly now so get yourself back on and keep going.” More

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    Pele’s family give positive health update but reveal Brazil legend is in hospital with Covid-aggravated infection

    PELE’S family have given a positive health update but reveal the Brazil football legend is in hospital with a Covid-aggravated infection. The 82-year-old, who won the World Cup three times from 1958 to 1970, was hospitalised earlier this week after he stopped responding to chemotherapy as he battles bowel cancer.
    Pele’s daughter provided a positive updateCredit: Instagram @pele

    Pele is fighting a lung infection, his family has revealedCredit: Instagram @pele

    Pele with family and friends in OctoberCredit: Instagram @pele

    Reports had surfaced that Pele had been moved to palliative end-of-life care in hospital.
    However, his family have said that it is not true and the football icon is “in a regular bedroom” but is fighting a Covid-aggravated infection.
    And once he has fully recovered he will leave the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo.
    Daughter Kely Nascimento said in an interview with TV Globo that aired Sunday night: “He is sick, he is old.
    READ MORE ON PELE
    “But at the moment, he is there because of the lung infection. And once he feels better, he will go home again.
    “He is not saying goodbye in a hospital at the moment.”
    Pele’s other daughter, Flavia, added: “It is very unfair for people to say he is in the end of his life, in palliative care. Guys, that’s not true. Believe us.
    “He is not in intensive care, he is in a regular bedroom. He is not in risk, he is in treatment.”
    Most read in Football

    Pele has been moved by the tributes pouring in from across the football world, but his grandson, Arthur, says his time hasn’t come and he will see Brazil lift a sixth World Cup.
    Arthur said: “I see people telling me ‘rest in peace’ (for Pele). One day it will happen, but it is not today.
    “He is going to be well, it is a matter of time. He will see Brazil lift the sixth title.”
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    Brazil are one of the favourites to lift the World Cup in Qatar and begin their knockout campaign on Monday.
    They face South Korea, who pulled off a shock win over Portugal in their last group game.
    Superstar Neymar is expected to play after overcoming an ankle injury that ruled him out of Brazil’s final two group fixtures.
    Pele is expected to return home once he has fought off the lung infectionCredit: Instagram
    Grandson Arthur says the football great’s time hasn’t come and he will see Brazil lift a sixth World CupCredit: Instagram @pele
    Pele won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970Credit: AP:Associated Press More

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    Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe lead tributes to Pele as Brazil legend, 82, is ‘moved to end-of-life care’ in hospital

    TRIBUTES have been paid to Brazilian icon Pele by football stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Rivaldo and current Brazil star Vinicius Jnr.Pele has reportedly been moved to an end-of-life care hospital, with outlets in Brazil saying that doctors have stopped chemotherapy for his bowel cancer.
    Pele is believed to have been admitted to end-of-life care hospitalCredit: AFP
    Harry Kane sent his ‘best wishes’ from the entire England camp to PeleCredit: Getty
    Kylian Mbappe sent a tribute for the Brazlian legendCredit: Getty

    The reports say that the Brazilian’s body was not responding to the treatment and that he is now receiving care designed to reduce his pain in a palliative care ward, which is aimed to optimise the quality of life among people with serious illness.
    In response to the reports, Mbappe tweeted: “Pray for the King”, whereas Brazilians Rivaldo and Vinicius Jr added ‘Strength King’ to their social media channels.
    Vinicius’ national and club team-mate Rodrygo also tweeted his support for Pele, he said: “Strength, King Pele! Praying and rooting for your recovery!”
    England captain Harry Kane also sent his “best wishes” Pele and admitted that he is an “inspiration.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    He 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.”
    Most read in Football
    But England legend Gary Lineker gave a more positive update.
    He said: “The great Brazilian footballer Pele is still undergoing treatment and remains stable. That’s the latest we’ve got from his hospital in Sao Paulo.
    “It follows reports in Brazil he was beginning end of life care after not responding to chemotherapy.
    “Hospital statement said: ‘Pele had a good response to treatment for a respiratory infection. He is undergoing a reassessment of chemotherapy treatment.’
    “So slightly better news which is encouraging.”
    The 82-year-old had played down his health concerns on Instagram as he claimed that he was only in hospital for a “monthly visit” after he had “swelling all over and heart failure issues”.
    In the post, he also thanked Qatar for its tribute to him, saying “get well soon” in lights over a building as well as showing his gratitude to people sending their “good vibes”.
    Pele was admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Tuesday.
    Brazilian manager Tite revealed that the squad found out about Pele’s condition on Wednesday before their game against Cameroon.
    He said: “We found out the news on Wednesday, he is possibly one of the biggest representatives of Brazil. We wish him good health.
    “That’s the feeling of all of us from the Brazil squad. We are wishing Pele all the best.”
    By many, Pele is considered as the greatest footballer of all time. He won three World Cups with Brazil in his career and scored 643 goals in 659 in official matches for club side Santos.
    The attacker also netted 77 times in 92 matches for Brazil.
    The 82-year-old has been fighting his condition since he was diagnosed with a tumour in his large intestine in August last year.
    Read More on The Sun
    His former club, Santos, also tweeted a tribute to the legendary footballer, saying: “It’s the whole world wishing them well and together with you, King.”
    Fans also displayed a massive flag with Pele’s image on it with the message saying “Pele, get well soon” during Brazil’s game against Cameroon.
    Fans held a giant Brazilian flag saying ‘Pele, Get well soon’ during the game against CameroonCredit: AP
    Pele won three World Cups with Brazil in his careerCredit: AFP More

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    ‘I’ve had so many people write to me who are on a waiting list for a hysterectomy’, says Emma Hayes

    EMMA HAYES has called for greater investment in gynaecological healthcare for women after undergoing an emergency hysterectomy.And the Chelsea boss, 45, hit out at the lengthy waiting time facing those seeking appointments for gynaecological concerns.
    Emma Hayes will be back on the touchline for Chelsea when they play Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on SundayCredit: Getty
    Blues assistant Denise Reddy has been overseeing the team alongside general manager Paul Green during Hayes’ absence from the dugout following a hysterectomyCredit: Getty
    Hayes, whose team face Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, has been absent from the dugout for Chelsea for the past six weeks after undergoing an emergency hysterectomy.
    The surgery followed her “ongoing battle with endometriosis”.
    The condition leads to tissue similar to that contained in the lining of the womb growing in other parts of the body.
    The Blues chief said: “I had six weeks of recovery and I’m still recovering.
    “I still think it will take probably through the rest of this year to return to complete normality.
    “But I’m just grateful to feel a lot better and happy to come into a team doing really well in my absence and just to be around the players and staff again.”
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    Around 1.5 million women in the United Kingdom are living with endometriosis, a gynaecological condition, which can cause chronic back and pelvic pain amongst other symptoms.
    This is according to the charity Endometriosis UK.
    And the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says more than 570,000 individuals are on the waiting list for a gynaecology appointment.
    In England, the number of women waiting over a year for care has risen from 66 before the Covid pandemic to nearly 25,000.
    Hayes added: “What I realised in all of this period is that my privilege took my pain away.
    “I have health insurance. But my pain and suffering were no different to anybody else’s.
    “Whether it be my 18-year-old niece who suffers from ‘period problems’ to younger women who struggle with endometriosis or polycystic ovaries, there are half a million women sat on a waiting list for a prolonged period to see a gynaecologist.
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    “I don’t think it’s acceptable. I was completely unaware that my own pain was as bad as it was.
    “I was just getting on, being told that maybe it was period pains,
    “What I realised is that we do have enough gynaecologists, trained at least, but there are not enough jobs for them. Why?
    “We need to do more and do better and I decided that (to be open about my condition), rather than just say I’m unwell.
    “It might be uncomfortable for some, who think I should keep that private.
    “But I have learned through my own struggles how little knowledge some women have from puberty to menopause (on this issue) and if I can champion that then, why not?
    Reddy and Paul Green (pictured) have guided Chelsea to six match wins across all competitionsCredit: PA
    “Some days I was in agony going to work.
    “It wasn’t until I had this time to recover that I realised ‘oh my god I’ve been so ill for so long, how many other people are going through this?’
    “I’ve had so many people write to me who are either on a waiting list for a hysterectomy or young people who keep getting dismissed and being told it’s their periods, or people’s partners struggling and unable to help.”
    Aside from focusing on her recovery, Hayes has been looking ahead to her return to the dugout for the first time since the Blues’ 3-1 defeat of West Ham on September 28.
    The Blues will oversee her side with her players aiming to beat Spurs for the sixth time in the WSL.
    A sell-out crowd of more than 40,000 are expected to watch Chelsea take on their rivals in their first game at Stamford Bridge since their 1-0 defeat of Tottenham in September 2019.
    Back then a Bethany England rocket shot gave her team victory over their opponents who are currently fifth in the league.
    Bethany England netted Chelsea’s match-winning goal when they last played Spurs at Stamford Bridge in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    The Blues chief added: “I was telling my doctors that (my first game back) would be in front of 40,000. I’m about ready for that!
    “I think the club have done so well to be able to sell out — as many clubs have done in the WSL.
    “I’m just really looking forward to seeing the fans and being with my team again. There’s no better place to play than Stamford Bridge.”
    The match will see former Blues star Drew Spence, 30, go up against her old club and boss for the first time since her summer move to Tottenham.
    And the Jamaica midfielder, who made 220 Chelsea appearances from 2008 to 2022, has netted three goals in five WSL appearances for her new club
    Hayes joked: “Of course, I want Drew to be on the losing team,
    Drew Spence could be set to face Chelsea for the first time since leaving the club to join Tottenham in June this yearCredit: Alamy
    “When I think about Drew, I just have pride because she is a huge part of what’s made this team successful and yes, she’s playing for the opponent.
    “But I’m just proud of her and I think she’s having an amazing season.
    “She’s been really impactful for them and just look forward to giving her a hug and saying ‘hi’.” More