Brazil legend Pele says he is “recovering very well” after briefly being readmitted to the intensive care unit following a recent surgery.
The 80-year-old had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon this month and was initially released from intensive care on Wednesday.
Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital said he was readmitted “as a preventative measure” on Friday.
“My friends, I am still recovering very well,” Pele wrote on Instagram.
“Today I received visits from family members and I continue to smile every day. Thank you for all the love I get from you.”
Pele’s health has been a concern in recent years. He had prostate surgery in 2015 after he was admitted to hospital for the second time in six months, and he was admitted again for a urinary infection in 2019.
Pele – a three-time World Cup winner – is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 games and one of only four players to have scored in four World Cup tournaments.