December 7 – Brazil great Pele’s condition is improving in hospital, according to his doctors.
The 82-year-old three-time World Cup winner – who had a tumour removed from his colon in September 2021 – was admitted to hospital on Saturday with a respiratory infection.
However, those symptoms and his general condition are improving, contradicting unconfirmed reports that Pele was beginning end-of-life care after not responding to chemotherapy.
“The patient continues to show progressive improvement in his general condition, in particular the respiratory infection,” said a statement from the doctors treating him.
“He remains in a standard room, with stable vital signs, conscious and with no new complications.”
On Monday night the Brazil players displayed a banner on the pitch in support of Pele as they celebrated their victory over South Korea at the World Cup to reach the quarter-finals
The squad unfurled the banner, which featured just one word – ‘Pele!’ – alongside a picture of the living legend in the wake of their 4-1 triumph.
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