LUCILLE, Qatar, USA (AP) – Brazilian fans showed their support for former soccer star Pele on Friday as the yellow-green team lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the World Cup.
Pele, 82, who had a polyp removed from his colon last year, was taken to hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday to organize his treatment.
Doctors said Friday that the former player had a respiratory infection and would be treated with antibiotics at the clinic, according to the Albert Einstein Hospital.
“It is sad to hear this news about Pele on a day when Brazil plays a World Cup match,” said Brazilian fan Rafael Bastili, 41, who came from Sao Paulo to watch the Qatari national team in Qatar. “We’re trying to send him our positive energy from here.”
Doctors said on Friday that Pele had responded “adequately” to treatment. They added, “The patient, who is sitting on a bed in a regular ward, is in stable condition and is witnessing a general improvement in his health condition.”
Fans in Qatar displayed a banner depicting Pele holding a ball behind a goal at Lusail Stadium.
They also unfurled a huge Brazilian flag with the image of the star and the words: “Pele. We wish you a speedy recovery.” A fan in the stands held up a T-shirt with Pele’s picture on it.
Another giant image of Pele can be seen on the side of a building near the stadium with the messages “Get well soon” and “We love you Pele”.
“My friends, I’m in the hospital doing my monthly visit,” he said. “Thank you to Qatar for this honor and to everyone who sent me good energy.”
The Brazilian fans who gathered before the match against Cameroon held Pele’s hearts too, singing songs about him and sending him best wishes.
In the pre-match press conference on Thursday, Brazil coach Tite said the whole team wanted to “wish Pele good health” from Qatar.
On Wednesday, doctors said Pele was in stable condition when he arrived “to re-evaluate chemotherapy for the tumor.” They explained that Pele was not in intensive care.
Despite losing to Cameroon, Brazil retained first place in Group G. They will face yellow-green South Korea in the Round of 16.
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