Three-time World Cup winner Pele posted an update to fans from hospital after he was moved to palliative care.
The Brazilian icon told followers he is "strong" and is enjoying watching his country's quest to win their sixth World Cup. Doctors in Sao Paulo had suspended his chemotherapy to treat colon cancer and switched to end-of-life care, Brazilian news outlet Folha claimed earlier on Saturday.
An update from the doctors treating Pele at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo on Saturday evening presented a more positive picture. A message was then posted to 'O Rei's' Instagram page.
Read more: Pele 'stable' and responding well to treatment
“My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive,” it read. “I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual. I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received.
“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. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too! Thank you so much for everything.”
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) replied with a message of support: "Stay strong, King! It's going to be alright! We are with you."
Pele, 82, has been in hospital since Tuesday.
A statement issued by his doctors reads: "My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive. I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual. I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received.
“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. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too! Thank you so much for everything.”
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