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Brazil icon Pele has been moved to palliative care in hospital after he stopped responding to chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer, according to reports in Brazil.
The 82-year-old was admitted to Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday for a routine monthly check-up to re-evaluate his cancer treatment.
Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento, who is currently in Qatar for the 2022 tournament, insisted on Instagram that her father’s return to hospital was not an “emergency”
On Thursday, it was revealed that Pele had heart complications and swelling all over his body, but was in a stable condition overnight.
Pele took to social media to thank supporters for their support, posting on Instagram: “It’s always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes.”
However, Brazilian news outlet Folha de S Paulo reports that Pele’s chemotherapy treatment has been suspended and the legendary striker is now receiving end-of-life care.
The report adds that Pele is currently receiving treatment for symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath.
Messages of support for Pele – a three-time World Cup winner with Brazil – have been sent from across the globe, including from England captain Harry Kane.
Speaking at a press conference via Sky News, on Saturday, Kane said: “First and foremost, we send our best wishes to him and his family as well. He’s an inspiration in our game, an incredible footballer and an incredible person.”
The Tottenham Hotspur striker also spoke about the advice given to him by Pele, who encouraged him to keep learning and never believe his is the best footballer in the world, adding: “To hear those words back then from him was really special for me.
“And I always feel like I’m someone who is always learning and will continue to learn for the rest of my career, so he was spot on with his advice.
“Of course, sad to hear that news, but we wish him well, not just me but the whole England set-up as well.”
France star Kylian Mbappe took to Twitter to offer his support to Pele, tweeting “Pray for the King”, while Pele’s former club Santos wrote: “It’s the whole world wishing you well, King Pele.”
Pele, who scored 643 goals in 659 official games for Santos, is regarded by many as the greatest footballers of all time.
The legendary striker lifted the prestigious Jules Rimet trophy on three occasions in 1958, 1962 and 1970 and is still Brazil’s all-time leading scorer after netting 77 goals in 92 international matches.
Brazil will resume their 2022 World Cup campaign with a last-16 tie against South Korea at Stadium 974 on Monday.