'We will be together soon': Football legend Pele leaves ICU after surgery

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - Brazilian football legend Pele said he left intensive care and feels ready "to play 90 minutes, plus extra time" after a colon surgery at a hospital in Sao Paulo.

In a statement on Instagram late Tuesday, the 80-year-old said he is recovering in his room. "I have already left the ICU and I am in my room. I continue every day happier, with a lot of disposition to play 90 minutes, plus extra time," he said.

"We will be together soon!"

The former Brazilian football star thanked his fans for their messages, saying: "Thank you very much to each one of you, who dedicated a minute of your day to send me positive energy. Love, love and love!"

The three-time World Cup winner has been having treatment at the hospital since Aug. 31 after a tumor was detected in routine tests. He has been hospitalized many times in recent years due to kidney and prostate problems.

Considered as the best football player of all time, Pele is the only player in history to have won the FIFA World Cup three times, in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He scored 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil.