Romario puts years of rift aside to wish Pele well as Brazil icon battles for his health

Pele has been battling colon cancer since September 2021 and his condition has deteriorated in recent weeks, forcing him to stay in hospital.

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He spent the Christmas in period hospital as well, with his family gathering by his bedside to spend time with him following his latest health scare.

Figures around the world have been sending in their well wishes for the football icon, and Romario is the latest, hoping for the best for Pele.

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The 56-year-old told Gae Globo: "King, get better. So much faith.

"The whole world is looking and praying for you. Improvements! I kiss your heart."

His words were welcomed by fans across Brazil, who were happy to see the pair put their difference aside, having been in a rift for several years.

In 2007, the two entered a war of words when Romario described Pele as "a poet when he doesn't speak," which wasn't taken well and Pele responded to that in his own way later on.

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Pele later said: "There are lots of people who don't really know what they want and simply attack the past. But I'm a Catholic and I believe that God always forgiven the ignorant, so I forgive the ignorant."

Both scored plenty of goals in their careers and are two of the most beloved Brazilian footballers ever, making it a painful rift for fans.

On the matter of Pele's health, doctors said his cancer had advanced this week and that he now requires care related to renal and cardiac dysfunction.

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His family have shared pictures of themselves at his bedside in recent days and are optimistic of a recovery in the next few weeks.