Legendary Brazilian former footballer Pele has been readmitted to intensive care following recent surgery to remove a tumour from his colon.
The 80-year-old had only left the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo on Thursday, but he has been forced to return.
The former Brazil international is widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest ever, and won three World Cups with his country in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
He had spent a number of days in hospital after the tumour was discovered during routine checks before undergoing the initial surgery in late August, but had remained in intensive care for more than a fortnight.
According to Sky News he has been readmitted to the ICU just a day later, although the reason for that is unclear at this stage.
Having been released from intensive care yesterday, Pele sent a message to his followers on Instagram, writing: “My friends, this is a message for each of you. Don’t think for a minute that I haven’t read the thousands of loving messages I’ve received around here.
“Thank you very much to each one of you, who dedicated a minute of your day to send me positive energy. Love, love and love! I have already left the ICU and I am in my room. I continue every day happier, with a lot of disposition to play 90 minutes, plus extra time. We will be together soon!”