Football legend Pele has undergone successful surgery to remove a tumour from his colon.
Gatekeepers News reports that three-time World Cup winner, Edson Arantes do Nascimento popularly known as Pele said he was feeling ‘optimistic’ after his Saturday’s operation.
The Brazilian hero is determined to face his illness “with a smile on his face”.
The 80-year-old regarded as arguably the greatest in history disclosed his health battle in a short statement posted on Instagram on Monday.
Pele appreciated fans for their support and also the doctors who are treating him.
The Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, said Pele would remain in intensive care, adding that he is expected to be transferred to his room on Tuesday.
The hospital in a statement said although it is not known whether the tumour is malignant, it has been sent for tests.
Pele told his 7.1 million followers on Instagram: “Last Saturday I underwent surgery to remove a suspicious lesion in the right colon.
“The tumour 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 post shared on Monday evening was liked by more than 250,000 within one hour, including fellow footballers like Brazilian Ronaldo who responded: ‘Long live the king’ along with four heart emojis.
Colombian Radamel Falcao replied with four prayer hand emojis.
Similarly, the FIFA World Cup Instagram account posted a prayer emoji along with green and yellow hearts.
Meanwhile, Pele denied reports that he fainted after a six-day hospital stay with an undisclosed health problem.
Last Tuesday, Pele, who was admitted to hospital wrote on Instagram: “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!”
His business manager Joe Fraga in a message said there was no cause for concern. Fraga wrote, “Full battery of tests/scans/colonoscopy/blood, etc.”
“He doesn’t do everything in one day.”
In February 2020, Pele’s son, Edinho, revealed how he was “depressed” and “reclusive”, avoiding leaving the house due to being unable to walk unaided.
Edinho said, “He’s pretty fragile. He had a hip replacement and didn’t have an adequate or ideal rehabilitation.”
Pele won his third World Cup in Mexico in 1970, alongside what has often been described as the greatest team of all time.
The Striker also played for Brazil’s winning sides in 1958 and 1962.
During his 21-year career, he scored 1,282 goals in 1,363 games.
