Pele says he is not seriously ill

Brazilian football superstar Pele says he is not seriously ill, easing fears that his health had deteriorated after a hospital said he was in intensive care.

The 74-year-old used his official Twitter account to deny widespread reports that said his condition worsened and he was put in intensive care to treat a urinary tract infection.

“I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I am doing fine,” he said. “I was not put into intensive care today, I was simply relocated to a special room within the hospital for privacy purposes only.”

Pele had an operation to remove kidney stones on November 13, but he was readmitted to the hospital on Monday after being diagnosed with the infection. The three-time World Cup winner has remained in the hospital since.

“I am blessed to receive your love and support, and thank God this is nothing serious,” he said.

“I am looking forward to spending the upcoming holidays with my family, and will start the new year with renewed health, with many international trips already planned! Thank you!”

Pele’s manager had already said the former player was expected to make a “quick and full” recovery from the “minor” infection.

Paul Kemsley said reports about the deterioration of Pele’s condition and about him going into intensive care “were greatly exaggerated”.

He said: “He was relocated to a special area of the hospital for privacy purposes only, due to having an overwhelming number of visitors which prevented him from getting the necessary care and treatment.”

The Albert Einstein hospital had earlier released a statement saying Pele was transferred to a “special care” unit after his condition became unstable.

The statement created a scare in Brazil, with local media widely reporting that Pele’s condition had deteriorated.

The hospital later released another statement saying Pele’s condition “improved,” but for the first time mentioned that he was in “an intensive care unit” and temporarily undergoing renal support treatment.

“Pele plans to spend the upcoming holidays with his family, and in the new year, he will recommence his busy worldwide schedule,” Mr Kemsley said. “Trips to Australia, China, Nigeria and Azerbaijan are already confirmed for the early part of 2015.”

Pele has enjoyed good health in recent years despite needing to undergo surgeries for a hip replacement and a detached retina.

Widely known as the greatest footballer of all time, Pele is a national hero in Brazil. He remains a worldwide ambassador to football and is active with his many businesses across the globe.

He still participates in many advertising campaigns and is present at most major football tournaments.

He won the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970 and is known as the game’s most prolific scorer, credited with 1,281 goals in 1,363 career matches.