Football legend Pele will remain in hospital for a urinary tract infection in a Sao Paulo hospital, where he was already receiving chemotherapy for a colon tumor, the facility said.
The 81-year-old Brazil great known as "O Rei" (The King) was initially admitted to the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo on February 13 to continue his treatment for a colon tumor detected in September. He has remained hospitalised since then.
Eight days after being admitted, the hospital said it had detected a urinary tract infection during routine exams.
"Clinical conditions are stable, and hospital discharge should occur in the next few days," the hospital said in a statement Monday.
Pele underwent surgery for the tumor on September 4, spending a month in the hospital before being discharged to continue chemotherapy.
It is the latest in a string of health troubles for the aging star.
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Brazilian legend Pele tosses a ball with physical therapist in Sao Paulo. Instagram @PELE / Reuters -
Pele has been released from hospital in Sao Paulo following surgery. Instagram @PELE / Reuters -
Pele during his stay at the hospital in Sao Paulo. Instagram @PELE / Reuters -
Pele tosses a ball with physical therapist in Sao Paulo. Instagram @PELE / Reuters -
Pele has been released from hospital after a month-long stay. Instagram @PELE / Reuters -
Pele said he is feeling better after his stay in hospital. Instagram @PELE / Reuters -
Pele exercises in a hospital in Sao Paulo. Instagram @PELE / Reuters -
Pele was released from a month-long hospital stay. AFP
Considered by many the greatest footballer of all time, Pele - real name Edson Arantes do Nascimento - is the only player to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970).
He burst onto the global stage at just 17 by scoring dazzling goals, including two in the final against hosts Sweden, as Brazil won the World Cup for the first time in 1958.
He went on to have one of the most storied careers in sport, scoring more than 1,000 goals before retiring in 1977.
"As I have been doing monthly, I am going to the hospital to continue my treatment," Pele said on his social media platforms on February 13.
On Sunday, Pele congratulated the Saudi Arabia women’s national football team after they won their first international fixture, calling it a "historic day".
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Pele dribbles past a defender during a friendly match between Malmo and Brazil, on May 8 1960, in Malmo. Pele scored two goals as Brazil won 7-1. AFP -
The Brazilian striker, wearing his Santos jersey, before playing a friendly match against the French club Racing, on June 13, 1961 in Colombes, in the suburbs of Paris. AFP -
In June 1962, in Vina del Mar, a few days before a World Cup quarter-final against England. Pele did not participate in that match and was out for the remainder of the competition after pulling a muscle during the first-round match against Czechoslovakia. AFP -
During a break in training, at Selsdon Park Hotel in London, on May 7, 1963. Getty Images -
With US politician Robert Kennedy at the Maracana, after Brazil played the Soviet Union, on November 21, 1965. Getty Images -
Pele marks the 1,000th goal of his career, on December 12, 1969. Getty Images -
The Brazilian striker and Bobby Moore of England exchange shirts after the World Cup Group C game at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico 7 Jun 1970. Brazil won 1-0. Getty Images -
Pele shoots during Brazil's match against Czechoslovakia at the 1970 World Cup, in Mexico. Reuters -
Holding aloft the trophy after Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in the World Cup final on June 21, 1970. AFP -
Pele celebrates after Brazil win the 1970 World Cup, in Mexico. Getty Images -
The legend is surrounded by a large crowd, in March 1971, at the Champs-Elysees in Paris. AFP -
Pele introduces French actress Brigitte Bardot to his teammates during a match organised in aid of cancer research in Paris, on April 1, 1971. AFP -
A retired Pele coaches Japanese boys at the National Stadium in Tokyo, in November 1974. Getty Images -
During a training session with boys, as part of a trip to Thailand, in December 1974. AFP -
Embracing former England and Manchester United player Bobby Charlton during the friendly match between Man United and Juventus, in New Jersey, July 2003. Getty Images -
Pele scores the equalising goal for the Allied Prisoners Of War, during the match against Germany, in the 1981 film 'Escape to Victory'. Reuters -
Diego Maradona is greeted by guest of honour Pele after the Centenary Classic at Wembley in London, in August 1987. Getty Images -
Pele is presented with the Greatest Football Player Trophy by George Best, before an American League match between Aztecs and New York Cosmos at the Rose Bowl, in Los Angeles, April 1987. Reuters -
Bill Clinton, US president at the time, plays with Pele, in October 1997, during a visit to the Mangueira School in the favela of the same name, in Rio de Janeiro. AFP -
Pele in 1992 at an appearance to promote his tie-up with a credit card company that was sponsor of the 1994 World Cup. AFP -
Carrying the Olympic Torch out of Maracana Stadium, on Day 10 of the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay, in Rio De Janiero. The Olympic Flame travelled to 34 cities in 27 countries en route to the Games in Athens. AFP -
Pele steps in fresh cement to leave his mark on the path of fame at the Maracana, in June 2000. AFP -
During a friendly to celebrate his 50th birthday in Milan, on October 31, 1990. AFP -
Pele takes a tour of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, in Dubai, on January 16, 2014. AFP -
Pele holding a framed picture of a 1973 football match between his former team Santos and UAE club Al Nasr, after receiving it from former players Mohamed Kahoor and Mohammed Al Khous in Dubai, 2014. AFP
