This archive report was first published on 14 September 2021.
On September 14, 2021, Brazilian football legend Pele left the intensive care unit of a Sao Paulo hospital after undergoing surgery for a suspected colon tumor.
According to the Albert Einstein Hospital, Pele is in good clinical condition and has left the intensive therapy unit. He will be recovering in a room.
In a post on Instagram, Pele expressed his gratitude to fans for their support, writing, 'I continue every day happier, with a lot of disposition to play 90 minutes, plus extra time. We will be together soon!'
Pele's daughter, Kely Nascimento, had earlier given an update on her father's health, saying he was doing well post-surgery and was not in pain. She also shared a close-up photo of her smiling father.
The suspected tumor was detected during routine tests, and Pele has been undergoing treatment since August 31, 2021.
Considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, Pele has been in poor health in recent years and has had various stints in the hospital.
With a storied career that spanned over a decade, Pele won three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970) and scored over 1,000 goals before retiring in 1977.
