80-year-old Pele has surgery to remove tumour

Pele, Brazil’s legend, has had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon. The 80-year-old announced on social media on Monday.

The three-time World Cup winner, who’s considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, said he had surgery to remove the “suspicious lesion” last Saturday.

“Fortunately, I’m used to celebrating great victories alongside you,” Pele said.

“I will face this match with a smile on my face, a lot of optimism and joy for living.”

Last week, the former Santos forward denied reports he had fainted and had “routine exams”.

Last year, Pele’s son, ex-Santos goalkeeper Edinho, said his father had become “embarrassed” to leave his house because he cannot walk unaided.

Pele is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of only four players to have scored in four different World Cup tournaments.