Pele is in a ‘stable condition’ after being diagnosed with a respiratory infection

Brazil legend Pele has been diagnosed with a respiratory infection but remains in a stable condition, a medical report showed on Friday.

‘The medical team diagnosed a respiratory infection, which is being treated with antibiotics,’ said the report from hospital Albert Einstein.

‘The response has been adequate, and the patient, who remains in a common room, is stable, with general improvement in health status.’

The 82-year-old will remain hospitalized for the next few days to continue treatment.

He was admitted to the hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday to reevaluate his treatment for cancer after he had a tumor removed from his colon in September 2021.

Pele, who led Brazil to three World Cup titles – 1958, 1962 and 1970 – has suffered health issues in recent years, but has remained active on social media.

He allayed fears over his health on Thursday, writing on Instagram: ‘Friends, I am at the hospital making my monthly visit,’ he said in the post. ‘It’s always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes!’

Brazilian Footballing legend Pele has been diagnosed with a respiratory infection

The former striker has received tributes in Qatar after being admitted to hospital on Tuesday

Last month, he said he hoped to see Brazil’s national squad capture a record-extending sixth title in Qatar.

During his nation’s World Cup clash with Cameroon on Friday, a huge banner was unfurled bearing the message ‘Pele, get well soon’. Brazil lost their final group game but progressed to the last-16 in Qatar and will face South Korea next.

Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento, who is not in Brazil, also reinforced that there was no need for alarm and that her father’s hospital admission is ‘no surprise or emergency’. 

Pele’s wife and carer took him to hospital earlier this week but his condition is now stable 

The icon allayed fears by announcing that he was only in hospital for a ‘monthly visit’

Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento insisted there was no need for alarm in a social media post

She posted 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.’ 

Pele was hospitalized for six days last year and underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his colon. The Globo news site in Brazil said Pele was undergoing routine examinations in Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital when the undisclosed issue was detected. 

Taking on social media at the time, Pele allayed any fears over his health.

‘My friends, thank you very much for the kind messages,’ he wrote on Instagram. 

‘I thank God for feeling very well and for allowing Dr Fabio and Dr Miguel to take care of my health. 

‘Last Saturday I underwent surgery to remove a suspicious lesion in the right colon. The tumor was identified during the tests I mentioned last week.

Pele has been in poor in health in recent years with a number of visits to the hospital 

‘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.’

In 2020, Pele’s son said his father was depressed over his poor health and reluctant to leave the house because he cannot walk without assistance, although Pele later publicly denied that statement. 

The Brazilian had said: ‘I am good. I continue to accept my physical limitations in the best way possible but I intend to keep the ball rolling.

The 82-year-old is widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all time 

‘I have good days and bad days. That is normal for people of my age. I am not afraid, I am determined, confident in what I do.’

Pele is regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history and is the only player to win three World Cups.

He scored 655 goals in 700 club career games, while he also netted 77 times in 92 caps for Brazil.