The daughter of Brazilian soccer legend Pele, Kely Cristina do Nascimento, hospital posted on Instagram late Friday an emotional tribute and a photo of her father at the Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital in São Paulo.
“Time flies… (but) happy moments are eternal,” the ex-footballer’s daughter assures about the old photograph in which Pele appears next to Kely Cristina and Jennifer, two of the daughters from his first marriage, and Flavia, the fruit of his relationship with another woman he never married.
Pelé getting messages from his family
What is Pele’s current state of health?
Pele, 82, was admitted on November 29 for a respiratory infection and “re-evaluation of chemotherapy treatment on colon cancer identified in September 2021,” according to a hospital statement.
Earlier this week, the hospital reported that Pele’s health had worsened and that he would now require further care due to the progression of the cancer. Nascimento has previously thanked supporters for their tributes and messages of support.
‘Idol’ Pele receives prayers and ‘get well soon’ wishes from Wenger and Klinsmann
After Pele was hospitalized in November, Nascimento explained that the former soccer player had had Covid-19, despite being vaccinated “with all the doses,” and as the chemotherapy had made him more fragile, he contracted a lung infection.
Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento and widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, Pele played in four World Cups, winning three – in 1958, 1962 and 1970 – and scored 12 goals in 14 matches. He also scored 1,281 goals in his professional career in 1,363 matches.
Pele’s family spent Christmas in the hospital
Pele’s family says they are ‘tired of receiving condolences’
Due to the Brazilian star’s health condition, his family decided to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas at the clinic where Pele is hospitalized.
“Our Christmas at home has been suspended,” Nascimento wrote in a post on Wednesday. “We decided with the doctors that, for several reasons, it would be better for us to stay (in the hospital), with all the care that this new family … Einstein gives us!”.