TRIBUTES have been paid to Brazilian icon Pele by football stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Rivaldo and current Brazil star Vinicius Jnr.
Pele has reportedly been moved to an end-of-life care hospital, with outlets in Brazil saying that doctors have stopped chemotherapy for his bowel cancer.
The reports say that the Brazilian’s body was not responding to the treatment and that he is now receiving care designed to reduce his pain in a palliative care ward, which is aimed to optimise the quality of life among people with serious illness.
In response to the reports, Mbappe tweeted: “Pray for the King”, whereas Brazilians Rivaldo and Vinicius Jr added ‘Strength King’ to their social media channels.
Vinicius’ national and club team-mate Rodrygo also tweeted his support for Pele, he said: “Strength, King Pele! Praying and rooting for your recovery!”
England captain Harry Kane also sent his “best wishes” Pele and admitted that he is an “inspiration.”
He said: “First and foremost we send our best wishes to him and all his family as well.
“He is an inspiration amongst our game, an incredible footballer, an incredible person, and to hear those words from him back then for me.
“I always feel like someone who is always learning and continues to learn and he was spot on with some advice to me.
“Sad to hear that news, but we wish him well, not just me and the whole England set-up.”
The 82-year-old had played down his health concerns on Instagram as he claimed that he was only in hospital for a “monthly visit” after he had “swelling all over and heart failure issues”.
In the post, he also thanked Qatar for its tribute to him, saying “get well soon” in lights over a building as well as showing his gratitude to people sending their “good vibes”.
Pele was admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Tuesday.
Brazilian manager Tite revealed that the squad found out about Pele’s condition on Wednesday before their game against Cameroon.
He said: “We found out the news on Wednesday, he is possibly one of the biggest representatives of Brazil. We wish him good health.
“That’s the feeling of all of us from the Brazil squad. We are wishing Pele all the best.”
By many, Pele is considered as the greatest footballer of all time. He won three World Cups with Brazil in his career and scored 643 goals in 659 in official matches for club side Santos.
The attacker also netted 77 times in 92 matches for Brazil.
The 82-year-old has been fighting his condition since he was diagnosed with a tumour in his large intestine in August last year.
His former club, Santos, also tweeted a tribute to the legendary footballer, saying: “It’s the whole world wishing them well and together with you, King.”
Fans also displayed a massive flag with Pele’s image on it with the message saying “Pele, get well soon” during Brazil’s game against Cameroon.
