Soccer legend Pele transferred to palliative care

Legendary soccer star Pele has been transferred to an end-of-life care unit at a Brazilian hospital, according to reports.

The 82-year-old Brazilian soccer star, known as the “King,” is being treated for colon cancer and was diagnosed with a respiratory infection after being hospitalized Tuesday for “a reassessment of chemotherapy treatment.”

The cancer was detected last year, according to a statement from the Sao Paulo Hospital, the Folha de Sao Paulo reported.

Earlier in the week, the soccer legend — who led Brazil to three World Cup wins in 1958, 1962 and 1970 and whose real name is Edson Arantes de Nascimento — reassured his 2.8 million Twitter followers that he was in hospital, but was feeling good after a career tribute in Qatar, which is currently hosting the World Cup.

“Friends, I’m in the hospital doing my monthly visit,” he posted on Twitter. “It’s always good to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who has been sending me good vibes!”

On Saturday, a new medical bulletin was posted to Pele’s Instagram feed, signed by three doctors at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in  Sao Paulo. “He is still in treatment and his state of health continues stable,” the statement read. “He has had a good response to a respiratory infection, and has not experienced any worsening condition in the last 24 hours.” 

The three-time World Cup champion said he was watching Brazil’s games in the World Cup from his hospital bed, and thanked his fans for their concern and said he was  maintaining “a positive outlook.”

“My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive,” the post said. “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 great deal of faith in God and every message of love that I receive from all of you, which is coming from all over the world” he said. “It leaves me filled with energy, as well as watching Brazil in the World Cup!”