Pele says he’ll cheer Brazil on from hospital forward of WC knockout tie

Brazil soccer legend Pele on Monday backed Brazil’s nationwide crew forward of their World Cup round-of-16 match in opposition to South Korea, saying he’ll watch the sport from hospital after being admitted there final week as he battles colon most cancers.

Pele, 82, mentioned in an Instagram put up that he wished to encourage Brazil’s gamers by sharing an image taken on the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, when the then-teenager shocked the world in main the South American facet to their first title.

“I am going to watch the sport from right here on the hospital and I will be rooting for every considered one of you,” Pele mentioned forward of the match beginning in a while Monday in Qatar. “We’re on this journey collectively. Good luck to our Brazil!”

Internationally revered as one of many biggest footballers of all time — if not the best — Pele had a tumor faraway from his colon in September 2021 and has been receiving hospital care frequently.

He was hospitalised final week to reevaluate his therapy and can also be being handled for a respiratory an infection, in response to medical reviews.

His daughters confirmed on Sunday that he had COVID-19 and a coronary heart charge under regular earlier than being hospitalized.

Pele examined constructive for COVID-19 on Nov. 17 and has been handled with treatment to manage ache and fever, however COVID-19 was one of many preliminary causes he was taken to the hospital, sources instructed ESPN.

Pele performed for Brazil and membership sides Santos and the New York Cosmos as a striker. He helped lead his nation to 3 World Cup championships thrice — in 1958, 1962 and 1970 — a feat no different participant has achieved.

Brazil are searching for to win a record-extending sixth world title.