MESSAGES OF SUPPORT POUR IN FOR PELE

FOOTBALL WORLD RALLIES ROUND BRAZIL LEGEND OVER NEW HEALTH FEARS —

BRAZIL legend Pele has received messages of support from across the world after reports in his homeland said he is now beginning end-of-life care after not responding to chemotherapy.

The 82-year-old has been receiving treatment for colon cancer, having undergone surgery to remove a tumour during September 2021.

News outlet Folha reported that the three-time World Cup winner’s chemotherapy has been suspended and he is now undergoing measures aimed at relieving pain and a shortness of breath.

Following reports that Pele, considered football’s first world superstar, had been taken back into hospital amid growing concerns for his health, his daughter Kely Nascimento posted an update on social media stating there was no ‘new dire prediction’.

On Thursday evening, a post on Pele’s Instagram account looked to allay any serious worries.

Attached to a photograph of a ‘get-well-soon’ message displayed on buildings at the World Cup in Qatar, the Brazil great wrote: ‘Friends, I am at the hospital making my monthly visit.

‘It’s always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes!’

England captain Harry Kane, speaking ahead of the last-16 match against Senegal today, said the team was sending its support.

Kane said: ‘First and foremost, we send our best wishes to him and his family as well.

‘He’s an inspiration in our game, an incredible footballer and an incredible person.’

Asked about advice Pele had given him, in which he urged the Tottenham striker to never believe he is the best player in the world and keep learning, Kane said: ‘To hear those words back then from him was really special for me.

‘I always feel like I’m always learning and will continue to learn for the rest of my career, so he was spot on with his advice.

‘Of course, sad to hear that news, and we wish him well, not just me but the whole England set-up as well.’

‘Pray for the King,’ France forward Kylian Mbappe Tweeted.

World Cup-winning former Germany forward Jurgen Klinsmann, speaking on BBC One, added: ‘Pele is such a wonderful person. The outstanding personality of world football. We can just pray and hope for the best but it’s very sad news.’

Pele burst on to the global scene as a 17-year-old at the 1958 World Cup, helping Brazil to the first of their record five successes.

Injury affected his contribution to the 1962 and 1966 finals, but he returned to lead Brazil to a third triumph in Mexico in 1970 as part of what is arguably the greatest international team of all time.

Officially, Pele scored 757 goals in 831 games during a glittering career from 1957 to 1977, although club Santos claim his tally was closer to 1,000.