Football legend Pele hospitalized, says he’s ‘doing fine’

PanARMENIAN.Net - Brazilian football legend Pele's condition has improved after being transferred to a special care unit following treatment for a urinary infection, according to a Thursday, Nov 27 evening statement from a Sao Paulo hospital, CNN reports.

There had been earlier concerns about Pele's health after Albert Einstein Hospital issued a release that said his condition was "unstable."

Thursday night's release said Pele was relocated to the intensive care unit because a kidney dialysis machine he needed was in ICU.

"He is now temporarily on renal support without any additional support," the statement said.

The 74-year-old's representative and Pele's Twitter account dispute that the great is in ICU, saying he had been moved to a "special care" room with greater privacy.

"I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I am doing fine," his Twitter feed stated.

Pele was admitted to the medical facility earlier this week with a urinary tract infection. He recently underwent surgery to remove kidney stones at the same institution.

Pele scored a world record total of 1,281 goals in 1,363 games during his 21-year career. The FIFA Player of the Century won 91 caps for Brazil and scored 77 goals. He made 14 appearances at World Cup finals, scoring 12 goals, and picked up the FIFA Golden Ball award as the best player at the 1970 tournament.