England captain Harry Kane has sent his best wishes to Pele as concerns remain over the Brazil legend’s health.
According to Brazilian daily newspaper Folha de S.Paulo, the 82-year-old was moved to palliative treatment after chemotherapy stopped having the expected results as he battles colon cancer.
Asked about the news report, Kane said, “First and foremost, we send our best wishes to him and his family as well.
“He’s an inspiration in our game, an incredible footballer and an incredible person.”
Pele won the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups, and remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches.
Asked about the advice Pele had given him, in which he urged the Tottenham striker to never believe he is the best player in the world and keep learning, Kane said: “To hear those words back then from him was really special for me.
“And I always feel like I’m someone who is always learning and will continue to learn for the rest of my career, so he was spot on with his advice.
“Of course, sad to hear that news, but we wish him well, not just me but the whole England set-up as well.”
France forward Kylian Mbappe, who became the first teenager since Pele to win the World Cup four years ago in Russia, tweeted on Saturday, “Pray for the King @Pele” as a tribute for the Brazil legend.
Current Selecao star Vinicius Junior added well-wishes on Instagram, saying, “Strength, King.”
Vinicius’ Real Madrid and Brazil team-mate Rodrygo also tweeted well wishes for Pele.
World Cup host nation Qatar showed its support for Pele on Saturday, lighting up buildings with a “Get well soon” message.
The Lusail Stadium in Doha, which will host the World Cup final on 18 December, and the Aspire Tower next to the Khalifa Stadium, were adorned with pictures of Pele in his famous number 10 shirt.
Concerns were initially raised on Wednesday when ESPN Brasil reported Pele had been admitted, with his daughter Kely Nascimento saying there was “no emergency” involved.
Pele thanked well-wishers on Friday for sending “good vibes” and said his stay in hospital was “a routine visit”.
The former striker is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 games and scored in four World Cup tournaments.
Santos, his only Brazilian club, tweeted: “It’s the whole world wishing you well, King Pele”.
