Qatar is displaying a great tribute to Brazilian football star and one of the all-time footballing greats, Pele, following news of his critical condition spreading in the World Cup host nation.
Buildings across Doha have been lit with a “Get well soon” message for the Brazil football great, especially at Lusail Stadium, which will host the World Cup final on December 18. The Aspire Tower next to the Khalifa Stadium, was adorned with pictures of Pele in his famous number 10 jersey.
On the Corniche, the Qatari capital’s seafront promenade, the dozens of drones that come alive each night drew a Brazil shirt with Pele’s name and number 10 on the back.
Pele was admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo earlier this week for what doctors said was a “re-evaluation” of the chemotherapy he has been undergoing since surgery to remove a colon tumour in September last year.
According to a Guardian newspaper report on Monday, the last information on Pele’s physical condition is that he is stable.
Meanwhile, his daughter says she expects her father to come home from the hospital.
Earlier the hospital had said he was "still undergoing treatment and remains stable".
It follows a report in Brazil that he was beginning end-of-life care after not responding to chemotherapy.
"My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive," Pele said in a statement on Instagram.
"I'm strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual. I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have been receiving.
Pele 82 , who helped the Brazilian national team win three World Cups, did not forget nor missed recalling the Brazilian football team despite being ill, when he ended his message by calling on fans to watch the Selecao play in this year’s tournament.
Pele, the Great said, “I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full of energy. And watching Brazil in the World Cup too!”
"Thank you so much for everything. The Brazilian football great Pele posted on Instagram on Saturday evening to say that he is feeling “strong” and “with hope”, after an outpouring of concern online in response to unconfirmed reports that he had been moved to palliative care.
Earlier, the hospital said Pele remained in a stable condition after being hospitalised this week, as he battles colon cancer. He has also responded well to treatment for a respiratory infection and his condition has not worsened in the last 24 hours, the medical staff said. He was admitted to hospital on Tuesday to re-evaluate his cancer treatment.
