Football legend Pele has been hospitalised in Sao Paulo with his condition described as 'worsening' amid his ongoing battle with cancer.
According to ESPN Brasil, the 82-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time, was admitted to Albert Einstein Hospital after developing swelling "all over his body", heart issues and mental confusion with his cancer treatment appearing to be ineffective.
It is reported a heart issue was also identified by doctors who examined him and he was 'very restless' when he arrived at hospital. It is also said he has been struggling to feed himself. Pele's daughter, Kely Nascimento, provided an update and stated there is "no emergency".
"Lots of alarm in the media today concerning my dad's health. He is in the hospital regulating medication," Nascimento wrote. "There is no emergency or new dire prediction. I will be there for New Years and promise to post some pictures."
Pele has regularly been visiting hospital for check-ups and has undergone chemotherapy for a colon tumour that was discovered last September. He spoke out on his health battles earlier this year, admitting the treatment was "difficult" but stating he was glad to be home with his family by his side as he shared a picture with his wife Marcia and dog Cacau.
He said on Instagram in April : "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."
Doctors discovered that Pele had colon cancer last September while going for a series of routine examinations that had been postponed for 15 months because of the coronavirus pandemic. He was hospitalised for a month following his diagnosis as he underwent surgery.
Pele has since received treatment that has included chemotherapy sessions, as well as monthly tests to check the effectiveness of tackling the tumour. He also spent two weeks in hospital in February for a urinary tract infection that complicated his treatment.
The former Santos and Brazil national 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.
