Pelé, the legendary Brazilian soccer player, says he is “strong” and has “a lot of hope” as he continues his treatment for colon cancer.
Pelé’s social media post on Saturday came after local Brazilian media reported that the 82-year-old former footballer’s health had deteriorated.
There will never be another Edson Arantes do Nascimento or Pelé. Although this is highly subjective, many people consider him to be the greatest player the game has ever seen, as well as a member of the greatest team of all time.
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“My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive,” Pelé said on Instagram.
“I’m strong and hopeful, and I’m continuing with my treatment as usual.” I’d like to express my gratitude to the entire medical and nursing staff for the excellent care I’ve received.
🚨 JUST IN 🚨
Brazil legend Pele has been moved to end of life care after he stopped responding to chemotherapy. #Pele | #Football pic.twitter.com/8t61iMyOc8
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) December 3, 2022
The 82-year-old former footballer, considered one of the greatest of all time, was admitted to a hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday to re-evaluate his cancer treatment after a tumour was removed from his colon in September 2021.
On Saturday, former and current soccer stars wished Pelé well on social media.
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Interesting facts you need to know about Pelé:
- In 1961, the Brazilian government declared him a national treasure. This prevented foreign football clubs from recruiting him.
- Pele scored 1,283 first-class goals in his career, including 77 for Brazil.
- He won three World Cups, two World Club Championships, and nine State Championships in Sao Paulo. Pele was named after Thomas Edison, an American inventor whose real name was Edson Arantes do Nascimiento.
- Santos signed Pele when he was 15 years old. On his league debut against FC Corinthians on September 7, 1956, he scored four goals.
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5. Another great Brazilian forward, Waldemar de Brito, is credited with discovering Pele, taking him to Santos, and telling them he was going to be “the greatest football player in the world.”
6. Pele once said: “A penalty is a cowardly way to score.”
Pele once said: “A penalty is a cowardly way to score.” He did bash home his 1000th goal from the spot-kick though.
— AS USA (@English_AS) February 26, 2015
6. The greatest player became the youngest World Cup winner ever at the age of 17. He also scored twice against Sweden in the final. The Brazil star was appointed as Brazil’s Minister of Sport in 1995 and served until 1998.
7. He appeared as a cameo in the film Mike Bassett: England Manager, where he was interviewed by broadcaster Martin Bashir. He dismisses England’s chances of capturing the World Cup.
