Brazilian icon Pele has been moved to 'end-of-life' care after becoming unresponsive to chemotherapy in his fight against cancer. The 82-year-old was taken to hospital last week and now is receiving pain relief in an end-of-life ward.
Pele was admitted to Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday after treatment for his bowel cancer has stopped working, with symptoms of 'general swelling' and 'heart failure'. Pele looked to reassure fans around the world that his visit was only routine and that his condition is stable.
Albert Einstein Hospital released a statement confirming Pele had been diagnosed with a respiratory infection which required antibiotics earlier this week. Pele moved to reassure fans that his visit was only routine. A post on Pele’s Instagram account looked to calm any serious worries.
READ MORE: What Senegal did after FIFA punishment ahead of England World Cup match
The Brazil legend wrote: “Friends, I am at the hospital making my monthly visit. It’s always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes!”
Pele's post on Instagram was attached to a photograph of a ‘get well soon’ message displayed on buildings at the World Cup in Qatar. Despite his reassuring message and the encouraging updates, Folha de Sao Paulo reported on Saturday that Pele has become unresponsive to the chemotherapy treatment he has received for months to tackle bowel cancer.
The report goes on to say that the former striker will not undergo invasive tests or treatment as he has been admitted to a ward for those with life-threatening diseases or conditions, or who require end-of-life care. Pele is also being attended by his carer and his wife, Marcia Aoki, is said to be by his bedside.
England captain Harry Kane led the tributes to the Brazilian legend ahead of the Three Lions' World Cup round of 16 tie against Senegal on Sunday. The Tottenham Hotspur striker said: "We send our best wishes to him and all his family from the whole England set-up. He's an inspiration, an incredible person."
Kylian Mbappe posted his own tribute to Pele on Twitter after the French striker posted: "Pray for the King *crown emoji* *praying emoji* *Brazil flag emoji* @Pele."
Pele's daughter, Kely Nascimento, insisted earlier this week that her father's trip to hospital was nothing to warrant an "emergency." She wrote on Instagram: "Lots of alarm in the media today concerning my dad's health.
"He is in the hospital regulating medication. There is no emergency or new dire prediction. I will be there for New Year's and promise to post some pictures."
READ NEXT:
Pundits disagree on Bukayo Saka decision ahead of England's World Cup round of 16 tie vs Senegal
Neymar injury plan confirmed by Brazil amid fears PSG star's World Cup 'could be over'
Who could England play in the World Cup quarter-finals if they beat Senegal?
Will Neymar be fit again this World Cup? Injury latest after Brazil star handed major scare
What happens if teams finish on equal points in World Cup group stage
