KEIR RADNEDGE in DOHA: Pele, greatest footballer in the history of the World Cup, has messaged that he is “strong” and “very hopeful” after reports in Brazil that he is receiving palliative care after no longer responding to chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer.

The 82-year-old triple World Cup winner was readmitted to the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday to re-evaluate his cancer treatment and later diagnosed with a respiratory infection.

The newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo reported that chemotherapy had now been suspended and that Pelé, full name Edson Nascimento do Santos, was being treated only for pain and shortness of breath.

A medical report released on Friday said Pelé had an adequate response to an antibiotic treatment and was in a stable condition “with general improvement in health status”.

Later he messaged: “My friends I want to keep everyone calm and positive thinking. I’m strong, very hopeful, and following my treatment as usual.

“I want to thank the whole medical and nursing team, for all the zeal I’ve been receiving. I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you, coming all over the world, keeps me full of energy.

“And watch Brazil in the World Cup too! Thank you so much for everything.’

Pele had a tumour removed from his colon in September 2021 and has been receiving regular hospital treatment. On Thursday he published an Instgram post saying that he was at the hospital for a “monthly visit” and thanked supporters for well-wishing messages.

Brazilian fans at the World Cup in Qatar had unfurled a banner reading: “Get well soon,” before Brazil’s match against Cameroon on Friday evening.

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