Sao Paulo: Brazilian football legend Pele, 80, was admitted to an intensive care unit after “respiratory instability” early on Friday but is now stable, said the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.
The hospital said Pele “presented a brief respiratory instability” and was admitted to an ICU as a “preventive measure.
The sporting great was later transferred to “semi-intensive care” as he continues to recover from surgery for a suspected colon tumor.
“He is currently stable from a cardiovascular and respiratory point of view,” it added.
Pele had previously been in hospital after undergoing surgery on a tumour on his colone. He originally left the ICU unit on Tuesday, telling his fans on social media that he was feeling happier by the day and was looking forward to reuniting with them.
The suspected tumor was detected during routine tests, according to the hospital, where Pele has been undergoing treatment since August 31.
Considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, has been in poor health in recent years, and has had various stints in the hospital.
The only player in history to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970), Pele burst onto the global stage at just 17 with dazzling goals, including two in the final against hosts Sweden, as Brazil won the World Cup for the first time in 1958. Four years later, Pele gave a tantalizing glimpse of his ability with an electric individual goal against Mexico in Brazil’s opening 2-0 win.
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