Hospitalized Pele thanks fans during fight against cancer

Brazilian soccer great Pele thanked fans worldwide on Thursday for the well-wishes he's received since being admitted to a Sao Paulo hospital amid his fight against cancer.

The 82-year-old Pele, who had a colon tumour removed in September 2021, was hospitalized Tuesday to regulate his medication, his daughter said.

Messages of support have poured in from around the world including from Brazil coach Tite at the World Cup in Qatar.

"It's always nice to receive positive messages like this," Pele said in an Instagram post showing a building in Qatar displaying wishes for his recovery. "Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes."

Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo did not issue a daily statement about the health of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the man globally known as Pele.

On Wednesday, the hospital said Pele was in stable condition after arriving on Tuesday "for a reevaluation of the chemotherapeutic treatment of the tumor." The former footballer is not in intensive care, the hospital added.

ESPN Brasil reported on Wednesday that the three-time World Cup champion was brought to the hospital because of "general swelling."

Earlier on Thursday, Tite also wished Pele well during a press conference ahead of his team's World Cup group stage match against Cameroon on Friday. The team needs a draw to finish first in Group G.

After a tumour was removed more than a year ago, the hospital said Pele would begin chemotherapy but did not inform whether the former footballer's cancer had spread to other organs. He has checked in with the hospital every month since.

Pele helped Brazil win the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups and remains the country's all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches for the national team.