Pele ‘stable’ say doctors

BRAZIL hero Pele remains stable and is responding to treatment, according to the hospital caring for him. The former Brazil striker had been moved to palliative care after his chemotherapy to treat colon cancer had been suspended.

But an update from the doctors treating him in Sao Paulo yesterday presented a more positive picture.

‘He is still undergoing treatment and the state of health remains stable. He has also had a good response to respiratory infection care, with no worsening of the condition in the last 24 hours,’ the doctors said.

England captain Harry Kane paid a glowing tribute to Pele. Recalling meeting the 82-year-old in 2015, Kane remembered the Brazilian telling him to never believe he was one of the best players in the world. ‘First and foremost, we send our best wishes to him and his family,’ said Kane.

‘Inspiration among our game, incredible footballer and an incredible person. To hear those words back then from him was really special for me. I always feel I’m someone who is learning and continuing to learn for the rest of my career — so he was spot on with his advice. It’s sad to hear that news but we wish him well, not just from me but the whole England set-up.’

Pele’s condition has been a subject at the World Cup where Rivaldo and Kylian Mbappe were among those expressing concern.

Kane will hope to light up the tournament as Pele did in the past. The England captain says he is 100 per cent fit for today’s game amid concerns he is still feeling the blow to his foot in the opening match.

‘My foot feels fine, no problem at all,’ said Kane. ‘It’s been getting better day by day and I’m almost in a place where I don’t feel it now.’

There was no such good news for Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus who has been ruled out of the tournament.

The Arsenal striker was injured during the defeat by Cameroon and will be out for a minimum of four weeks with ligament damage.