Former Brazilian footballer Pelé, considered by many to be the best in history, celebrates 81 years animated this Saturday despite his fragile health after an operation to remove a tumor that kept him hospitalized for a month in September.
«This birthday will be much more celebrated still. They are 81 years of life, with many victories. And the main one is to celebrate with you, “he wrote on social networks, along with a video in which he thanked for the love and greetings that came from all over the world.
“I’m getting younger than older,” he joked with a laugh in the video.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the only footballer to win three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, which treats people with cancer.
However, no diagnosis was confirmed after he was discharged on September 30, after surgery to remove a tumor in the colon that left him in intensive care for several days.
This week, the former Verdeamarela star assured in his networks that every day he is “closer to scoring a goal.”
This Saturday, the congratulations multiplied. Neymar Jr wished him “long life to the King” in his networks, and Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva, Dani Alves and Jorginho, among others, also dedicated messages to him.
Likewise, the Santos Fútbol Club, where Pelé shone and developed his career, published a tribute in his accounts: «King, athlete of the century, the best of all time, the greatest in history. The label may vary, but the essence is always the same: Pele, Eternal and Infinite (…) Thank you very much for existing ».
Santos also posted greetings from various soccer and sports personalities on Facebook and Instagram. Among them, Neymar; Marta, a benchmark for Brazilian women’s football; and Rayssa Leal, the young medalist skater in Tokyo.
Santos also designed a shield with a crown in honor of Pelé for this afternoon’s match against América for Brasileirao, where after 10 minutes of play the fans will sing happy birthday to the legendary ‘shirt’ 10. (AFP)