Football legend Pelé has been transferred to palliative care

Legendary soccer star Pele has reportedly been transferred to an end-of-life nursing ward at a Brazilian hospital.

The 82-year-old Brazilian soccer star, known as the ‘King’, is being treated for colon cancer and has been diagnosed with a respiratory infection after being hospitalized for “a re-evaluation of chemotherapy treatment” on Tuesday.

The cancer was discovered last year, according to a statement from the Sao Paulo hospital, the Folha de Sao Paulo reported.

Earlier in the week, the soccer legend – who led Brazil to three world cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970 – and whose real name is Edson Arantes de Nascimento – reassured his 2.8million Twitter followers that he was in hospital but was feeling good after a career -Homage in Qatar, which is currently hosting the World Cup.

“Friends, I’m in the hospital doing my monthly visit.” he posted on twitter. “It’s always good to receive positive news like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute and to everyone who sent me good vibes!”

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