Brazilian soccer great Pel is improving, doctors said Tuesday.
The 82-year-old Pel has been hospitalized for a week to treat a respiratory infection aggravated by COVID-19. He is expected to leave the hospital when he fully recovers from the infection.
“(He has) stable vital signs, is conscious, and with no new complications,” the Albert Einstein hospital said in a statement.
Pel, a three-time World Cup winner, is also fighting cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
In Qatar, the image of a young Pel celebrating goals and lifting trophies with Brazil’s national team appeared on the shirts, flags and banners of Brazilian fans gathering Monday before a World Cup match against South Korea.
Pel had said he would be watching the match from the hospital. Brazil won 4-1 to reach the quarterfinals.