Pele gets pain relief to prepare for death

According to Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo, Pele will not take any measures to treat bowel cancer, or check on her health. The 82-year-old former striker accepts care to relieve pain and soothe the spirit. This method is often used for patients who cannot be cured, to prepare them for death.

Pele had surgery for a bowel tumor in 2021, and has been discharged since. In early 2022, the cancer cells had spread to his intestines, liver and lungs. Earlier this week, he was hospitalized, although his daughter wrote on Instagram that it was not unexpected or serious. Pele himself also posted on social media that he was only admitted to the hospital once a month.

The hospital treating Pele also announced earlier this week that they had given him antibiotics to fight respiratory infections. His condition was confirmed as "stable". Doctors added that Pele will stay in the hospital for a few more days for treatment.

However, Brazilian media said he no longer wanted to fight the disease.

Last week, Pele also posted a video cheering for Brazil before the 2022 World Cup. "Over 200 million hearts will beat with you," he told the team. "I send positive energy to you, and take the title home."

Pele is an iconic player in the history of the sport, nicknamed "The King of Football". He won the World Cup three times with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, and is the only player in history to do so. According to IFFHS, Pele scored the third most goals in history with 762 goals, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.