Soccer legend Pelé says he is “strong” and has “hope” amid cancer treatment

After a hospital stay earlier this weekBrazilian soccer legend Pelé gave an update on his condition on Saturday, posting on social media that he has “a lot of hope” as he continues to be treated for a colon tumor.

On Wednesday, following his hospitalization in Sao Paulo, Pelé’s daughter Kely Nascimento said there was “no emergency” after citing “a lot of media alarm today regarding my father’s health.”

The Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo said in a statement this week that Pelé was admitted Tuesday “for a re-evaluation of the chemotherapy treatment for the tumor,” according to the Associated Press.

“My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive,” Pelé, 82, said in an Instagram post on Saturday. “I am strong, full of hope and following my treatment as usual. I would like to thank the entire medical and nursing team for the care I received.”

The soccer star continued, “I have great faith in God and every love message I receive from you all around the world keeps me full of energy,” adding that he is watching the World Cup matches in Brazil.

World Cup hosts Qatar also showed support for Pelé by posting a “Get well soon”. message on a World Cup video board.

Pelé remains Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 77 goals in 92 games. He led the team to an incredible three world titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970.