Former Brazilian soccer player Edson Arantes do Nascismento ‘Pelé’ underwent surgery last Saturday to remove a tumor in his colon and remains admitted to a hospital in Sao Paulo, according to he published on social networks.
«Last Saturday I underwent surgery to remove a suspicious lesion in the right colon. The tumor was identified during the tests I mentioned in the last week, “wrote the 80-year-old former player.
Pelé, who is recovering in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), went to the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo 6 days ago for a series of routine examinations that had been postponed due to the covid-19 pandemic.
However, during the examinations the tumor was identified, which, after being removed, will undergo a pathological analysis, according to a statement from the Albert Einstein Hospital.
«My friends, thank you very much for the messages of affection. I thank God for feeling very good and for allowing doctors Fabio and Miguel to take care of my health, “he said.
«Fortunately, I am used to celebrating great victories alongside you. I will then face one more game with a smile on my face, a lot of optimism and joy for living surrounded by the love of my family and friends, “said Pelé, who will be 81 years old in October.
The Albert Einstein hospital, one of the most prestigious in Brazil, reported that Pelé is “well” and “recovering” in the ICU, although it is expected that he will be transferred to a room on Tuesday.
The health of the three-time World Champion has been weakened in recent years, which, together with the pandemic, has kept him practically confined in his home on the Sao Paulo coast with his closest family and friends, and away from the media focus. EFE (HN)