Pele's family share moving pictures as they spend Christmas by his side in hospital

Pele's family have gathered around his bedside at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo this Christmas as his health continues to deteriorate.

The Brazil legend, 82, was readmitted to hospital at the end of November after he reportedly developed swelling all over his body, heart issues and 'mental confusion'.

He had a colon tumor removed in September 2021 and last week, doctors said Pele's cancer had advanced and stated he is under “elevated care” related to “kidney and cardiac dysfunctions.”

No other hospital statements have been published since but Pele's family, including one of his daughters, Kely Nascimento, and his son, Edson Cholbi Nascimento, have posted pictures from the hospital.

Edson posted a picture holding his father's hand with the caption: “Dad... my strength is yours."

And daughter Kely, who continues to update the public of Pele's health, was seen hugging her father in the hospital bed. "We are still here, in the fight and in the faith.," she said on Saturday. "One more night together."

Kely confirmed at the weekend that Pele's son, Edson, was with the family. “He (Edson) is here,” she said on Instagram. “I am not leaving, no one will take me out of here.”

The hospital has not mentioned any signs of Pele’s recent respiratory infection.

A few hours ago, Kely provided an update alongside a picture of the family.

"We always have a lot to be thankful for, even spending Christmas in the hospital we are aware of the privilege it is to be in a hospital like @hosp_einstein," she said.

"To see our dad being treated by these professionals, super competent and extremely caring. Not a moment goes by that we forget this privilege. Even in sadness we can only be thankful.

"Thank you for being together, thank you for all your affection, thank you that I can be here now with him. Merry Christmas.

"Lots of health, lots of love, lots of joy, lots of laughter and lots of passion, today and always, for all of you. Another night with him."

Earlier this month, Pele posted a statement on his Instagram account saying that he wanted everyone to be calm. The former Santos forward also claimed that he was still feeling "strong."

“My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive,” he said.

“I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual. I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received.

“I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full of energy. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too!”