Three-time World Cup winner Pele sent an inspiring message to the Brazil players from his hospital bed ahead of their last 16 clash with South Korea.
The Brazilian football legend has been receiving treatment this week for a respiratory infection, while there have been widespread messages of support for him following reports that he was in palliative care after not responding to chemotherapy treatment for his cancer.
Ahead of Brazil’s first knockout game against South Korea on Monday, the 82-year-old posted a message of support for his compatriots on social media.
“In 1958 (at the World Cup in Sweden), I walked the streets thinking about fulfilling the promise I made to my father,” he wrote.
"I know that many of the national team made similar promises and are also looking for their first World Cup.
“I want to inspire you, my friends. I'll watch the game from here at the hospital and I'll be rooting for each one of you. We are on this journey together. Good luck to our Brazil!”
Pele had a tumour removed from his colon in September 2021 and has been receiving regular hospital treatment since.
He is the only player ever to win the World Cup three times, having done so with the Selecao in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
The Selecao are one of the favourites to win the title this year in Qatar and topped their group to set up the South Korea clash, beating Serbia and Switzerland before a shock defeat to Cameroon.
Should they win, a quarter-final clash with Croatia awaits.
