Brazilian football legend Pele underwent surgery last Saturday to remove a colon tumor and is still in hospital in Sao Paulo, according to his social media accounts.

Pele, 80, revealed in a tweet that last Saturday he "underwent surgery to remove a suspicious lesion in the right colon.”

The athlete mentioned that the tumor was identified during the tests he underwent last week.

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Pele addressed his friends and fans and thanked them for their warm messages. He also thanked God for making him "feel so good."

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, also known as Pele, was admitted to the hospital 6 days ago for routine examinations at Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo.

Pessoal, eu não desmaiei e estou muito bem de saúde. Fui fazer meus exames de rotina, que não havia conseguido fazer antes por causa da pandemia. Avisem que eu não jogo no próximo domingo!

— Pelé (@Pele) August 31, 2021

“Luckily, I am used to celebrating big victories with you,” said Pele, who will turn 81 in October. “I am facing up to this match with a smile on my face, a lot of optimism and happiness for being surrounded by the love of my family and friends.”

The health of the three-time world cup champion has declined in recent years; in light of the spread of the Coronavirus, he did not leave his home on Sao Paulo's coast. He stayed with his family and friends, away from the media's spotlight.