Pele back in intensive care

Brazil football legend Pele is back in intensive care, just three days after being released, at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.

The 80-year-old had been operated on to extract a tumor from his colon and it now seems his condition has taken a turn for the worse again.

Sources close the the Brazilian have assured MARCA that he is not in a critical condition. His being checked in has more to do with his advanced age demanding that certain precautions must be taken.

Pele had the tumor removed on September 4 and was discharged from hospital on Tuesday. It was then that the former footballer took to social media to provide an update on his situation and express his thanks to fans around the world who have sent their well-wishes.

"My friends, this is a message for each of you. Don't think for a minute that I haven't read the thousands of loving messages I have received on here," wrote Pele on Instagram.

"Thank you so much to every one of you for dedicating a minute of your day to send me positive energy...

"Every day I'm more joyful and I feel like playing 90 minutes plus extra time. We'll be together soon!"

Pele had initially gone into hospital on August 31 for a routine examination when the tumor was discovered.