Brazil legend Pele has been discharged from hospital in Brazil, having undergone chemotherapy sessions on a colon tumour – but will continue receiving treatment.
The 81-year-old has been receiving care at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo, after the tumour was detected during routine exams at the end of August.
‘The patient is stable and will continue his treatment for a colon tumour that was identified in September,’ the statement from the hospital said.
Pele, a three-time World Cup winner, was hospitalised at the start of December for the round of chemotherapy, but has today been allowed to go home.
He underwent surgery to remove the tumour in September, and then spent almost a month in hospital.
Having kept his social media followers updated on his progress, Pele said on Twitter last month that he was ‘fine’ and ‘feeling better every day’.
In an Instagram post, the mercurial forward said that he was ‘having small chemotherapy sessions’, and added that he had just finished his last session of 2021.
‘I wanted to share this achievement with you. After all, every little victory is a reason to celebrate, don’t you think?’ he wrote, with a picture of him clenching his fist.
‘Don’t worry, I’m just getting ready for the holiday season!’