Pele offers brave update on 'difficult treatment' 

World football great Pele has provided an update on his health after he was discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for cancer.

The Brazilian was admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo on Monday after being diagnosed with colon cancer last year, but was let out on Wednesday with the 81-year-old "in a good and stable" condition. A statement read: "His clinical conditions are good and stable, and the hospital discharge should occur in the next few days."

Pele will continue visiting the hospital at least once a month for check-ups, as well as continuing chemotherapy for a colon tumour that was discovered last September, according to his family.

And Pele, who is considered by many the greatest footballer of all time, admitted the treatment was "difficult" but is glad to be home with his family by his side as he shared a picture with his wife Marcia and dog Cacau.

He said on Instagram: "The peace of being next to my dear wife, Marcia, and our inseparable companion, Cacau. Treatment is difficult, but feeling their love is the best medicine. Home Sweet Home."

Doctors discovered that Pele had colon cancer last September while going for a series of routine examinations that had been postponed for 15 months because of the coronavirus pandemic. He was hospitalised for a month following his diagnosis as he underwent surgery.

Pele has since received treatment that has included chemotherapy sessions, as well as monthly tests to check the effectiveness of tackling the tumour.