Pele ‘still fighting’, says son as icon undergoes regular chemotherapy

Brazilian football legend Pele is “still fighting” despite having to undergo regular chemotherapy at the age of 81, his son has stated.

Since having a tumour removed from his colon in September of last year, the three-time World Cup winner has been forced to undertake regular trips to hospital. There have also been further issues with one stay elongated by a urinary infection.

But son Edinho, who began a short stint as manager of lower-league club Londrina on Sunday, has provided a positive update over Pele’s health picture.

“He’s good. He is in a tough battle over his health, but my father is a fighter, just as he has been his whole life,” Edinho told reporters.

“He’s still fighting. Our family prays for him a lot and we’re hoping that he will recover.”

Edinho, who played in goal for Santos in the 1990s, said he was unaware if his father watched Londrina’s 1-0 win over Tubarao in the Parana state championship.

“I confess that I don’t know,” Edinho said. “But he is going to find out once I tell him. We are cheering for him to above all get well as soon as possible.”

Edinho, 51, is normally Londrina’s Under-20 coach but was in temporary charge for Sunday’s game. He is expected to return to his normal duties next week with the arrival of a new first-team coach.