Pele, 80, had surgery to remove colon tumour with Brazil football legend in hospital for last six days

FOOTBALL legend Pele has undergone surgery to remove a tumour from his colon.

The 80-year-old remains in intensive care in Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.

The three-time World Cup winner said he will “face this match with a smile on my face”.

Pele has been in hospital for the last six days after the tumour was detected during routine cardiovascular and laboratory exams last week

The all-time great revealed via his social media accounts that the operation went well.

The Brazilian wrote: “I thank God for feeling very well and for allowing Dr. Fabio and Dr. Miguel to take care of my health.

“Last Saturday I underwent surgery to remove a suspicious lesion in the right colon. The tumor was identified during the tests I mentioned last week.

"Fortunately, I'm used to celebrating great victories alongside you. I will face this match with a smile on my face, a lot of optimism and joy for living surrounded by the love of my family and friends."

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Pele went into hospital last Tuesday and was forced to dismiss reports that he had fainted.

In an Instagram message accompanied by a smiling picture of the three-times World Cup winner, Pele wrote: "Guys, I didn't faint and I'm in very good health.

"I went for my routine exams, which I had not been able to do before because of the pandemic.

"Let them know I don't play next Sunday!"

Earlier on Monday, Pele's business manager Joe Fraga said there was no cause for concern.

He said: "Full battery of tests, scans, colonoscopy, blood etc. He doesn't do everything in one day."

Earlier this year Pele left fans concerned after he cut a frail figure during the new documentary looking back at his glittering career.

He was the star in a Netflix show charting his life from childhood poverty to the 1970 World Cup winner.

But viewers were left concerned by Pele's physical stature after he was seen using a zimmer frame and a wheelchair at various points of the show.

In the opening scene, Pele is only able to reach his seat in front of the camera with the use of a walking frame, before shoving it to one side.

And later on in the show, the goal-scoring icon is spotted arriving at a barbecue in a wheelchair.

Pele underwent hip surgery in December 2015 - with his son, Edinho, admitting the legend is 'pretty fragile' due to a lack of rehabilitation after going under the knife.

The football legend officially scored 757 career goals, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Josef Bican in the all-time list.

However his old club Santos - and legions of fans in Brazil - claim the number is nearer to 1,000.

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