Football legend Pele has become unresponsive to chemotherapy in his battle with cancer. He has been transferred to an end-of-life care unit at a hospital in Sao Paulo. 

After being hospitalized Tuesday for “a reassessment of chemotherapy treatment,” the 82-year-old has stopped receiving treatment for cancer and instead is now undergoing measures aimed at relieving pain and shortness of breath. He was being treated for colon cancer and was diagnosed with a respiratory infection.

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The Brazilian soccer star, known as the “King,” underwent surgery to remove a tumor in September 2021. Earlier in the week, he reassured his 2.8 million Twitter followers that he was feeling good after Brazilian fans in a match vs Cameroon on Friday flew a massive get well soon flag in Qatar, which is currently hosting the World Cup, to pay tribute to his legendary career. 

Amid growing concerns for his health, Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento posted an update on social media stating there was no “new dire prediction”. 

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On Thursday, Pele posted a picture on his Instagram account, of a ‘get well soon’ message displayed on buildings at the World Cup in Qatar. “Friends, I am at the hospital making my monthly visit. It’s always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes!” he wrote.

The soccer legend, whose real name is Edson Arantes de Nascimento, led Brazil to three World Cup wins in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He first debuted in international football as a 17-year-old at the 1958 World Cup. Pele scored 757 goals in 831 games during a career from 1957 to 1977. The club Santos, however, claim his tally was closer to 1,000.

Doctors at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein where Pele is being treated refused further comment on his condition Friday.