Brazilian football icon Pele has been hospitalised in Sao Paulo after developing swelling "all over his body", heart issues and mental confusion with his cancer treatment.
Pele has regularly been visiting hospital for check-ups in recent years and has undergone chemotherapy for a colon tumour discovered in September. According to ESPN Brazil, upon arriving at Albert Einstein hospital, the medical staff confirmed he had anasarca (generalised swelling) and "decompensated heart failure".
It is also reported that the chemotherapy carried out over the last few months to treat his colon cancer has shown no responses. Pele is undergoing numerous tests for an in-depth assessment of the problems highlighted. After seeming 'very restless' when he arrived at the hospital, it's also understood the former Brazilian striker has been struggling to feed himself.
READ MORE: Will Neymar be fit again this World Cup? Injury latest after Brazil star handed major scare
The cancer was discovered during a series of routine examinations that had been postponed for 15 months due to the coronavirus pandemic. After being hospitalised for a month, Pele underwent surgery and has regularly visited the hospital for monthly tests to check the effectiveness of tackling the treatment.
Earlier this year, Pele spoke out on his battle with health issues and admitted that the treatment was "difficult". On Instagram in April, he said: "The peace of being next to my dear wife, Marcia, and our inseparable companion, Cacau. Treatment is difficult, but feeling their love is the best medicine. Home Sweet Home."
The former Santos star was also in the hospital to have a kidney stone removed in 2019 and in 2014 for another urinary tract infection. He is the only player in history to have won three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970) and is widely regarded as one of the best to ever play the game.
READ NEXT:
Will Neymar be fit again this World Cup? Injury latest after Brazil star handed major scare
Win £150 of Nike vouchers by predicting World Cup Golden Boot winner
National Grid confirm power blackout decision with major World Cup effect on England vs Wales
What happens if teams finish on equal points in World Cup group stage
FIFA confirm final decision on Cristiano Ronaldo 'goal' vs Uruguay after Adidas intervention
