Doctors have revealed that Brazilian football legend, Pele, has developed a respiratory infection amid cancer conditions.
Pele who was hospitalised days ago is, however, in stable condition and “showing general improvement,” the doctors revealed on Friday.
His hospitalisation in Sao Paulo was for the “reevaluation” of the chemotherapy he was undergoing in the treatment of cancer.
“The medical team diagnosed him with a respiratory infection, which is being treated with antibiotics,” the hospital said in a statement.
“The patient’s response has been adequate, and he remains in a standard room,” not intensive care, it said.
“He is stable and his health is showing general improvement. (He) will remain in the hospital in the coming days to continue treatment.”
The world cup winner has not been well seen in public but his social media presence has been active.
He had taken to social media on Thursday to thank all those wishing him well as he faced the difficult health situation he was currently in.
He posted a picture from World Cup host country Qatar, where his picture was projected in lights on a building with the message, “Get well soon.”
“It’s always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes!” he wrote, describing his hospital stay as a routine visit.
Considered by many the greatest footballer of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento — Pele’s real name — is the only player in history to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970).