Audio By Carbonatix
Brazil legend Pele says he is "recovering very well" after briefly being readmitted to intensive care following a recent operation.
The 80-year-old had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon this month and was initially released from intensive care on Wednesday.
Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein Hospital said he was readmitted "as a preventative measure".
"My friends, I am still recovering very well," Pele wrote on Instagram.
"Today I received visits from family members and I continue to smile every day. Thank you for all the love I get from you."
Pele had been having treatment at the hospital since 31 August after the tumour was detected in routine tests.
Media outlets in Brazil reported that he was readmitted to intensive care as a precautionary measure because of his age.
The hospital later released a statement confirming this and added: "After stabilisation, the patient was transferred to semi-intensive care.
"He is currently stable from a cardiovascular and respiratory point of view."
Before the hospital statement was released, his daughter posted on Instagram: "I don't know what is going on with the rumours out there but my DMs are booming!!!
"There's already a lot of anxiety roaming the world these days and we don't want to be the reason for more.
"The normal recovery scenario for a man of his age after an operation like this, is sometimes two steps forward and one step back. It's very normal.
"Yesterday he was tired and took a little step back. Today he took two forwards!"
Pele's health has been a concern in recent years. He had prostate surgery in 2015 after he was admitted to hospital for the second time in six months, and he was admitted again for a urinary infection in 2019.
Pele is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 games and one of only four players to have scored in four World Cup tournaments.
Lionel Messi recently passed him as the leading South American men's scorer in international matches with a hat-trick in Argentina's World Cup qualifying win against Bolivia.
.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana to mark Africa Safer Internet Day on February 10
29 minutes -
‘A Tax For Galamsey’: Dr Manteaw warns NDC against shielding ‘galamsey’ DCEs
2 hours -
When a TV is not a vote but the Gospel according to the television set
2 hours -
Ghana can significantly expand domestic revenue without raising tax rates -UGBS Finance Professor
2 hours -
Policeman killed in bloody robbery on Zebilla–Widnaba road
2 hours -
Cedi under seasonal pressure as Q1 demand intensifies; one dollar equals GH¢11.80 at forex bureaus
2 hours -
Roads Minister rejects Minority’s claim of downgrading Suame Interchange Project
3 hours -
Eco-Africa Network demands dismissal of culpable officials in explosive JoyNews exposé
3 hours -
Ayawaso East vote-buying: Party will take decision after committee findings – NDC
3 hours -
Ayawaso Zongo Chiefs warn of possible chaos if NDC annuls disputed primary
3 hours -
I didn’t see failure as an option: Chicago Fire forward Shokalook
3 hours -
TI-Ghana condemns alleged vote-buying in Ayawaso East NDC primary
3 hours -
Karim Zito resigns as Asante Kotoko head coach following MTN FA Cup elimination
3 hours -
“Is your cell phone bugged?” Why privacy may be an Illusion in the age of smart devices
4 hours -
Politicians will soon distribute Range Rovers – Dr Asah-Asante warns over vote-buying
4 hours