Pele’s cancer has advanced, hospital where Brazil great is being treated says in a statement

Pele will remain in hospital over Christmas.

The hospital treating him said that his cancer had advanced and that he requires care for renal and cardiac dysfunctions.

The Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein said Pele “presents cancer disease progression and requires greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions”.

The Brazilian has been receiving regular treatment after having a tumour removed from his colon in September 2021, and was admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo for a respiratory infection in late November.

“We decided with the doctors that, for various reasons, it would be better for us to stay here with all the care that this new family at Einstein gives us.

“We, as always, thank you for all the love you show us here in Brazil as well as around the world!

“Your love for him and your stories and prayers are a HUGE comfort because we know we are not alone.

“We love you, we will give you an update next week.”

Pele is widely considered one of the best footballers of all time and is the only player to have won the World Cup three times.

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