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Pele’s family gather at hospital bedside, as ‘worsening’ cancer leads to kidney and heart problems

  • Three-time World Cup winner says his colon cancer was showing ‘progression’ but needed ‘more extensive care’ to treat kidney and heart failure
  • Pele has received messages of support since hospitalisation, including from French star Mbappe, who called on followers to ‘pray for the King’

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People walks past a mural of Brazilian soccer legend Pele. Photo: AP

Family members visited the legendary Pele on Saturday at the Sao Paulo hospital where he is suffering from worsening cancer as well as kidney and heart problems, according to a social media post by his daughter.

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Edinho, Pele’s son – who was recently appointed coach of Serie B football club Londrina, based in Parana in the north – arrived on Christmas Eve at the medical centre, where he joined his sisters Flavia and Kely Nascimento.

He posted an Instagram photo of himself holding the football star’s hand, captioning it: “Father … my strength is yours.”

The ex-goalkeeper arrived a day after having explained his absence at his father’s side to local media.

Brazil’s Neymar carries a banner of former Brazil player Pele during the Fifa World Cup. Photo: Reuters
Brazil’s Neymar carries a banner of former Brazil player Pele during the Fifa World Cup. Photo: Reuters

“I would like to be present, but I am committed to my mission here. I’m not a doctor, I couldn’t really help much,” he said in an interview published on Friday by the daily Estadao.

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