Pele's family rubbish reports stating Brazil legend is having 'end-of-life' treatment in hospital

Two daughters and one grandson of Brazilian soccer great Pelé said three-time World Cup winner has been hospitalized since Tuesday to treat a respiratory infection aggravated by COVID-19. y ded that 82-year-old is under imminent risk of death.

Kely and Flavia Nascimento and Arthur Arantes do Nascimento said in an interview aired Sunday night that Pelé, who is also undergoing chemorapy in his fight against cancer, is expected to leave Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo once he fully recovers from respiratory infection. Neir family r hospital have any predictions in that regard.

hospital said Saturday that Pelé is responding well to treatment for infection and his health condition h t worsened over previous 24 hours. hospital did t issue any statements on former footballer's health Sunday.

“He is sick, he is old. But at moment, he is re because of a lung infection. And once he feels better, he will go home again,” Kely Nascimento told TV Globo. She lives in United States and spoke on video.

“He is t saying goodbye in a hospital at moment,” she ded.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, who is globally kwn as Pelé, h a colon tumor removed in September 2021, but neir his family r hospital have said wher it h spre.

Flavia Nascimento said in interview that Pelé is yet to have remission of his colon cancer but is w regulating his medication with doctors to keep fighting.

“It is very unfair for people to say he is at end of his life, in palliative care. Guys, that's t true. Believe us,” she said.

“He is t in intensive care, he is in a regular bedroom. He is t at risk, he is in treatment.” Newspaper Folha de S. Paulo reported Saturday that Pelé's chemorapy is t working and that doctors h decided to put him on palliative care. Associated Press could t confirm that information.

Arthur Arantes do Nascimento said he is debating World Cup matches with Pelé by phone, which he believes shows 82-year-old is fully aware in hospital.

Pelé's grandson said former footballer missed injured star Neymar at Brazil's latest two matches in Qatar — a 1-0 win against Switzerland and a 1-0 defeat of reserves against Cameroon, both in group st. Brazil faces South Korea on Monday in Round of 16, with Neymar possibly returning to team.

Arthur Arantes do Nascimento also said his grandfar was moved by tributes that have poured from around world over last few days. Since Saturday, about a hundred fans of his lifelong club Santos came for a vigil, prayers, and tributes to soccer great. Fans, players, and coaches taking part in World Cup wished him well by multiple means.

“I see people telling me rest in peace (for Pelé). One day it will happen, but it is t today,” Arthur Arantes do Nascimento said.

“He is going to be well, it is a matter of time. He will see Brazil lift sixth title.” Pelé helped Brazil win 1958, 1962, and 1970 World Cups and remains team's all-time leing scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches.