Football legend Pele will leave hospital and recover at home, says his daughter

The great Brazilian footballer Pele is expected to leave the hospital after almost a month of treatment, his daughter Kelly Nascimento said on Wednesday.

The 80-year-old Pele removed a tumour from his colon on 4 September and spent days in intensive care after the surgery.

“Now that he’s stronger and leaving the hospital to continue recovering and treating himself at home,” Kely Nascimento said on Instagram, adding she will return to the United States, where she lives. “(Thank you) for all the affection and love we received from you this month!”

Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo did not confirm the football great is expected to leave soon.

Pele published several pictures and videos on social media showing him recovering in the hospital. The tumour was found when he went for routine exams at the end of August.

Pelé won the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups, and remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches.