Brazilian football legend Pele has urged for fans to remain "calm" and insists he is "strong" despite reports he has been moved to a palliative care ward.
The three-time World Cup winner, 82, has been receiving chemotherapy for colon cancer but has been reassessing his options due to the treatment not working. He was taken to hospital last week with symptoms of 'general swelling' and 'heart failure'.
Reports of his ill health were met by a flood of well-wishes from the footballing community. Pele has now provided an update on his health via a post on social media.
He wrote: "My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive. I'm strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual. I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received.
"I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full of energy. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too!
"Thank you so much for everything."
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AFP)Pele's statement reflects previous updates from the Sao Paulo hospital he is staying in, and from his daughter.
Albert Einstein Hospital also released a statement confirming Pele had been diagnosed with a respiratory infection which required antibiotics. They said his condition was stable.
Pele's daughter, Kely Nascimento, wrote on Tuesday: "Lots of alarm in the media today concerning my dad's health. He is in the hospital regulating medication. There is no emergency or new dire prediction. I will be there for New Year's and promise to post some pictures."
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PA)News of Pele's ill health has been met by a widespread feeling of good will in the footballing world. France striker Kylian Mbappe tweeted: "Pray for the King."
Speaking on the eve of England's last-16 fixture against Senegal, England captain Harry Kane said: "First and foremost, I'd like to send my best wishes to Pele and his family. He is an inspiration in our game - an incredible footballer and an incredible person."
Pele is widely regarded as one of the best footballers of all time. He has won three World Cups with Brazil, in 1958, 1962 and 1970, scoring 77 goals in 92 appearances for his country.
The striker played his club football for Brazilian giants Santos between 1956 and 1974 before a brief stint with New York Cosmos. He scored nearly 1,000 goals across his storied career.
