Pele ready for “extra time” after leaving the intensive care unit

Sept. 16 (Reuters) – Pele said he was ready for “90 minutes plus extra time” after leaving the intensive care unit (ICU) of a Sao Paulo hospital after surgery to remove Brazilian footballer’s colon tumor.

The 80-year-old man, a three-time World Cup winner, was admitted to Alberto Einstein hospital after the tumor was found during routine tests. The tumor was removed earlier this month and sent for analysis.

“My friends, this is a message for each of you. Don’t think for a minute that I haven’t read the thousands of love messages I’ve received here,” Pele said on Instagram.

“Thank you very much to each of you, who dedicated a minute of your day to send me positive energy. Love, love and love! I have already left the ICU and am in my room.

“I continue each day happier, with a lot of willingness to play 90 minutes, plus extra time. We’ll be together soon!”

Pelé has suffered from hip problems for years and cannot walk without help. His public appearances were already cut off before the COVID-19 pandemic and since then he has made some unnecessary forays outside his home near Santos.

Report by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford

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