Sao Paulo: Former Brazilian professional footballer Pelé informed the public that his apparent colon tumor had been removed and that he is now feeling well.
The operation was a “great victory,” Pelé said on his social media channels on Monday.
He had an apparent tumor on the right side of his colon, which was removed through surgery at Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital. The hospital officials announced yesterday that the 80-year-old soccer ace was in an intensive care unit and would be moved to a regular room today.
After the tumor was diagnosed, he went to the hospital for routine checks over the last week. The tumor was detected during standard cardiovascular and laboratory checks, according to the hospital statement. Moreover, the statement added that samples were gathered to be tested for pathologies.
“I thank God for feeling very well and for allowing Dr. Fábio and Dr. Miguel to take care of my health,” Pele said. “Last Saturday I underwent surgery to remove a suspicious lesion in the right colon. The tumor was identified during the tests I mentioned last week.”
“Fortunately, I’m used to celebrating great victories alongside you. I will face this match with a smile on my face, a lot of optimism and joy for living surrounded by the love of my family and friends,” the 80-year- old football icon added.
Pelé, formally known as Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday. He didn’t want the public to know about his health issues at that time, so he denied it on social media.
“Guys, I didn’t faint and I’m in very good health. I went for my routine exams, which I had not been able to do before because of the pandemic. Let them know I don’t play next Sunday,” he joked in the tweet.
Since a failed hip replacement operation in 2012, Pelé, the first male player to win three World Cups, has had mobility issues. In public, he has been compelled to use walkers and wheelchairs. Over recent years, he has also been admitted to hospitals for renal and prostate treatments.
Pelé is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals, having won three World Cups in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
