Brazil football legend Pele feels ‘strong’ after hospitalisation

Brazilian football great Pele says he feels “strong”, after he was hospitalised and diagnosed with a respiratory infection earlier this week.

“I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual,” Pele said in a Saturday post on Instagram.

The 82-year-old football legend urged fans to remain “calm and positive”.

“I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full of energy,” he added.

On Friday, doctors said Pele — whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento — was recovering and in stable condition following the diagnosis. Pele, who sustained swelling and cardiac issues after his hospital admission this week, was specifically diagnosed with bronchopneumonia, ESPN Brasil previously reported.

Pele’s daughter, Kely Nascimento, told the outlet her father had initially been hospitalised to regulate his medication related to his oncology treatments.