At Christmas, the family of Brazilian football legend Pelé gathered at his sickbed in the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo.
Daughter Kely Cristina Nascimento posted a family photo on her Instagram page on Saturday evening (local time), which also includes Pelé’s wife Marcia Aoki.
“Merry Christmas. Gratitude, love, togetherness, family. The essence of Christmas. Thank you all for all the love and light you send. In this crazy and amazing life I would be nothing without her,” wrote the 55- year olds to the picture. “In this crazy and surprising life I would be nothing without her. Today and forever: Merry Christmas and all the best.”
Pelé’s son Edson “Edinho” Cholbi do Nascimento (52) was also hospitalized. The former goalkeeper posted a picture on Instagram holding the football legend’s hand. Below the photo is a flaming heart. He wrote: “Father… my strength is yours.”
IOC President Thomas Bach also sent a greeting. “Pelé, our thoughts are with you,” wrote the 68-year-old on Twitter: “I wish you all the best with all my heart.” In 2016, the head of the International Olympic Committee awarded Pelé the Olympic Order in his hometown of Santos.
The Albert Einstein Hospital announced on Wednesday that Pele’s cancer was progressing and that he needed more intensive care due to kidney and heart problems. The three-time world champion has been in the hospital since November 29 to reset chemotherapy for a colon tumor. According to media reports, Pelé’s chemotherapy has recently failed. (dpa)