Former Brazilian soccer player Pelé is back home. He was able to leave the hospital after an infection, local news portals report. He also commented on the Ukraine war.
Brazilian soccer legend Pelé (81) has left the hospital after an extended stay following a urinary tract infection. This was reported by the “G1” news portal, citing the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo on Monday (local time). The infection was discovered during routine examinations. According to “G1”, Pelé left the clinic on Saturday.
In the past few days he had also referred to the war in Ukraine on social media. “I still have a lot of hope and trust in God, but the news of another war makes my heart sad. I send my solidarity to the people of Ukraine,” he said in a post on his Instagram account. “I am in prayer asking God that peace, freedom and love will prevail.”
Pelé was hospitalized again on February 13. At the beginning of September, the 81-year-old had a tumor removed from his colon that doctors discovered during a routine examination. 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.
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).