Big concern for Brazil's legend: he feels fine after the operation, further tests are pending.
Brazil's soccer legend Pele had to undergo colon surgery. The 80-year-old had a tumor removed on Saturday after a suspicious lesion was discovered during a routine check-up. The former striker announced on Monday and said he felt good. Whether the tumor was malignant initially remained open. The doctors he treated in a hospital in Sao Paulo said that tests were still pending.
Pele is still in the intensive care unit, but should be transferred to a normal ward on Tuesday. “Thank God I'm doing very well. Fortunately, I'm used to celebrating great victories by your side. I look forward to this match with a smile on my face, a lot of optimism and joy, because I am surrounded by the love of my family and friends, ”said the three-time world champion's Instagram account.
Uma boa dica para a vida: tenha amigos que semper te fazem sorrir.
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A good tip for life: have friends who always make you smile. pic.twitter.com/o0nit1XNnA
– Pelé (@Pele) August 31, 2021
Pele was admitted to the hospital last week and stated afterwards that he had no serious health problems. It is a routine examination. Now the world star, who has struggled with health problems several times in the past few years, said that he had “last Saturday undergone an operation to remove a suspicious lesion in my right colon”. “The tumor was discovered during the tests I mentioned last week.”
Last year, his son Edinho said that Pele was mentally depressed because of his health problems. He has a mobility problem after a hip transplant, is ashamed of his poor physical condition and hardly wants to leave the house. At the time, the “King of Football” also rejected reports that he was suffering from depression.
However, his health has repeatedly given cause for concern in recent years. He underwent several hip operations. He also had problems with his spine and knee. Two years ago he had a kidney stone removed after a urinary tract infection.
Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. The gifted striker and later sports politician was world champion three times: 1958, 1962 and 1970. With 77 goals in 92 international matches, he is the record scorer for the Brazilian national team.
