Neymar admits it’s ‘difficult’ to speak about Brazil legend Pele but says he hopes the side’s victory against South Korea can provide some comfort to the 82-year-old.
The three-time winner has been in hospital since Tuesday for a respiratory problem, which has been aggravated by Covid-19.
Pele has been undergoing chemotherapy in his battle against cancer and some reports claimed he had been moved to palliative, end-of-life care.
The Brazilian’s daughter, Kely Nascimento, has since refuted those claims, insisting he is not receiving end-of-life care.
‘He is sick, he is old. But at the moment, he is there because of the lung infection. And once he feels better, he will go home again,’ Nascimento told TV Globo.
Nevertheless, Pele’s deteriorating health has dominated headlines in Brazil, particularly as Tite’s side look to win their sixth World Cup title.
Neymar is the man spearheading that hunt and the side unveiled a banner for Pele after their victory against South Korea on Monday, which included some typically fantastic Brazilian play.
And the Paris Saint-Germain star says he’s praying that Pele’s health will improve as soon as possible.
‘It’s difficult to talk about Pelé’s situation,’ said Neymar.
‘I hope his health improves as soon as possible.
‘And that the dedication we made to him helps him even more. I’m proud of what we did today.’
Brazil take on Croatia in the quarter-finals following the side’s penalty shootout win against Japan.
Neymar returned to the side last night having missed the last two matches with an ankle injury.
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