photo courtesy of Twitter
Prolific Brazilian soccer star Pele reportedly is doing well after receiving treatment for a severe respiratory infection after being admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital on November 29.
Thankfully, Pele’s – whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento’s – health has been stable, according to reports obtained by the Associated Press Saturday. He was taken into the hospital for what was described as “general swelling.”
Pele was started on a round of antibiotics to treat the infection. At the same time, he continues to complete his chemotherapy after having a colon tumor removed at the end of last year.
The 82-year-old soccer GOAT put out a statement on his social media account to assure his fans that he would be fine.
He wrote, “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. 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.”
The post included a doctor’s note from the Albert Einstein Hospital that outlined Pele’s condition at the time.
When he was first admitted, Pele thanked his supporters for their support as Brazil successfully played through the World Cup.
Brazil is set to play South Korea in the round of 16 for the World Cup on Monday, December 5.