Football legend Pelé tells fans 'focus on your happiness' as he leaves hospital

Football legend Pelé was discharged from hospital today saying he was now "punching the air more often than usual."

The 80-year-old former Brazilian star was allowed home following an operation to remover a tumour from his colon.

Now the three time world cup winner is resting following the surgery in Sao Paulo.

In an update posted on Facebook, he said: "When the road is hard, celebrate every step of the journey. Focus on your happiness.

"It's true that I can't jump anymore, but these past few days, I've been punching the air more often than usual. I'm very happy to be back at my house.

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Glory as Pele jumps for joy at the 1970 World Cup ( Image:

Sven Simon/Press Association Ima)

"I want to thank all the staff at Albert Einstein Hospital, who made my stay pleasant... Thank you also to all of you who by far make my life complete with so many messages of love."

He revealed on September 6 that a "suspicious lesion" had been detected during tests, prompting surgeons to operate.

But he vowed to tackle it "with a smile on my face" and was forced to spend almost a month in hospital.

The hospital said although he had been discharged Pelé would "continue with chemotherapy."

The Santos, Brazil and New York Cosmos player will turn 81 on October 23rd.

Pelé is the only man to win three World Cups as a player.