Pele has been taken off intensive care as his condition continues to improve after the three-time World Cup winner was transferred to the hospital five days ago for kidney support treatment.

The 74-year-old is now under "semi-intensive" care, the Albert Einstein Hospital said in a statement.

"Pele is getting better," he was "lucid, eating well" and has been "walking around" the room, the hospital added.
                                   
The hospital said Pele was in a "good condition" in terms of blood pressure and the respiratory system, and continues to receive antibiotics intravenously.

Pele has had only one kidney since his playing days, when one was removed after complications from a rib broken while playing.
                  
He was hospitalised on November 24 after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection that stemmed from a surgery to remove kidney stones. Recent tests have shown no signs of the infection.
                  
The hospital did not say when Pele could leave the hospital although his son, former player Edinho, said it could happen by the end of the week.