Brazilian soccer legend Pele, who has been hospitalized for three days suffering from a urinary infection, reached out to his fans via social media on Thursday to say he is “doing fine.”
The Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo said earlier that his condition had “improved” and that the 74-year-old — widely regarded as the greatest player of all time — was receiving renal treatment.
However, contrary to the hospital’s assertion that he was in intensive care, Pele — whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento — said he had simply been moved to another room for increased privacy.
Photo: AFP
“I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I am doing fine,” Pele said in a message on Facebook and Twitter.
Pele said he would spend the upcoming holidays with family and looked forward to beginning next year “with renewed health,” adding he had “many international trips already planned.”
Earlier, after confirming that he was admitted on Monday, the hospital said that Pele’s medical tests showed the presence of a urinary infection.
“The clinical condition of Edson Arantes do Nascimento [Pele] has improved, but he remains under intensive care,” it said in a statement.
Pele’s agent Jose Fornos said that the star was tired after receiving too many visits, and added that his treatment “could go on for eight days.”
Pele underwent surgery for kidney stones on Nov. 13 and appeared in good humor when he was released two days later, opening his window to salute fans who had gathered around the hospital and joking to journalists: “I am ready to play tomorrow.”
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