Three-time World Cup winner’s health deteriorates

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Pele back in ICU: Football legend continues to battle colon tumor

Brazilian football legend Pele is back in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as he battles colon tumour at Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein Hospital, ESPN Brazil reported on Saturday.

The football icon had moved out of the ICU on Wednesday and was in good clinical condition before his health took a plunge. Pele had also said that he is ready "to play 90 minutes, plus extra time” after leaving the intensive care.

“Don't think for a minute that I haven't read the thousands of loving messages I've received around here,” he had posted on Instagram, smiling in the accompanying photo.

“Thank you very much to each one of you, who dedicated a minute of your day to send me positive energy. Love, love and love!" the 80-year-old had added.

The tumour was found when Pele went for routine exams at the end of August. His surgery was on September 4. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Pele has also undergone kidney and prostate procedures.

Pele lifted the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups, and to date remains Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches.

Earlier, Pele's daughter, Kely do Nascimiento, had also informed that the football great was in good health after undergoing the surgery. Nascimiento had published a screenshot of her video call with Pele.

"I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the messages of support that you have sent me.