Hospitalised Pele thanks fans during fight against cancer

Pele, 82, had a colon tumour removed in September 2021

ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ ITDC NEWS Brazilian football great Pele thanked fans worldwide on Thursday for the well-wishes he's received since being admitted to a Sao Paulo hospital amid his fight against cancer.

The 82-year-old, who had a colon tumour removed in September 2021, was hospitalised on Tuesday to regulate his medication, his daughter said.

Messages of support have poured in from around the world, including from Brazil coach Tite at the World Cup in Qatar.

“It's always nice to receive positive messages like this,” Pele said in an Instagram post showing a building in Qatar displaying wishes for his recovery. “Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes."

Pele said he was making his monthly visit. His daughter Kely Nascimento said on Wednesday there is no emergency concerning her father's health. She and another sister, Flavia Nascimento, on Thursday published pictures of several members of Pele's family at an undisclosed location.

Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo did not issue a daily statement about the health of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the man globally known as Pele.

On Wednesday, the hospital said Pele was in stable condition after arriving on Tuesday for a reevaluation of the chemotherapeutic treatment of the tumour. The former footballer is not in intensive care, the hospital added.

ESPN Brasil reported on Wednesday that the three-time World Cup champion was brought to the hospital because of general swelling.

Earlier, on Thursday, Tite also wished Pele well during a press conference ahead of his team's World Cup group stage match against Cameroon on Friday. The team needs a draw to finish first in Group G.