São Paulo (AP) – The Brazilian football legend Pelé left the clinic after further treatment of a tumor discovered more than six months ago.
“The tranquility of being by the side of my dear wife Marcia and our inseparable companion Cacau,” Pele wrote on Twitter on Friday alongside a photo with his wife and dog. “The treatment is difficult, but feeling her love is the best medicine. Sweet home, happiness alone.”
The patient is in good and stable condition, reported the Brazilian news portal “G1”, citing the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo. Pelé had been in the hospital since Monday.
At the beginning of September, the 81-year-old had a tumor removed from his colon that doctors discovered during a routine examination in a clinic in São Paulo. After the operation, Pelé was initially treated in the intensive care unit. He had to stay in the hospital for about a month after the operation.
In December he was back in the hospital for a good two weeks to continue treatment, and in February his stay was extended after a urinary tract infection.
Pelé’s health has repeatedly raised concerns in recent years. He underwent several hip surgeries. He also had problems with his spine and knees. Two years ago he had a kidney stone removed after a urinary tract infection. Pelé played 92 international matches and won three World Cup titles (1958, 1962, 1970).