Ailing Brazilian football icon Pele back in hospital

Brazil footballing legend Pele has been admitted to hospital to undergo treatment for a colon cancer.

Pele is in the care of Sao Paulo’s Hospital Albert Einstein and according to doctors the three-time world cup winner and octagenarian is in good health and is expected to be discharged soon.

Pele is back in hospital

The 81-year-old spent close to a month in hospital after undergoing surgery in September of this year.

Doctors would not reveal exactly what sort of treatment Pele was undergoing but it is understood that he is required to undergo chemotherapy.

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Pele has made very few public addresses of late but after his last spell in the hospital he took to Instagram to allay fans fears that the legend was in some strife.

“My friends, with each passing day I feel a little better,” Pele wote. 

“I’m looking forward to playing again, but I’m still going to recover for a few more days. While I’m here, I take the opportunity to talk a lot with my family and to rest. Thanks again for all the loving messages. We’ll be together again soon!”

Fans worry about icon

Pele won the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups with Brazil. He remains the country’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in his 92 international matches.

His health has been a concern for family, friend and fans alike in recent years. Pele’s mobility was massively impacted by a failed hip replacement surgery in 2012.

Pele has also spent spells in and out of hospital for kidney and prostate ailments which have required surgical intervention.

A tumour in his colon was identified during routine cardiovascular and laboratory exams back in August.

Considered by many to be the best player to have played the game in the 20th century, Pele remains the only man to be involved in three Fifa World Cup-winning sides.