Pele posts video as his health continues to improve
Friday 5 December 2014 21:23, UK
Brazilian legend Pele is set to move out of semi-intensive care in a Sao Paulo hospital after pleasing doctors with his recovery from a kidney condition.
The 74-year-old was in such high spirits on Friday that he posted a video on Facebook that showed him playing a guitar as he assured fans he is in good health and thanking them for their support.
The three-time World Cup winner has been treated at the Albert Einstein Hospital since November 24, after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection that stemmed from an operation to remove kidney stones 11 days earlier.
He has only one kidney, having had one removed towards the end of his playing career.
A statement from the hospital, signed by doctors Fabio Nasri and Marcelo Costa Batista, and the hospital's superintendent Dr Miguel Cendoroglo Neto, announced Pele would be transferred to a different room because of his improving state.
It read: "The patient Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele) continues with no signs of infection and is taking antibiotics intravenously.
"Because of his clinical improvement and stability, he is scheduled to be transferred to a room."
In his video appearance, the former Santos star said: "Don't worry. Thank you very much. I know everybody worry about my health but I am okay.
"Thanks God and thanks everyone who always pray for me."
He also extended an invitation to fans around the world to visit the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
