Football legend, Pele has been moved out of intensive care as the Brazil football great continues his recovery from surgery .

The 80-year-old three-time World Cup winner has been in the Alberto Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo since doctors removed a tumour from his colon earlier this month.

However, he confirmed in a post on Instagram that he has now left intensive care and even joked that he was now ready to play ’90 minutes and extra time!’  

He said: ‘My friends, this is a message for each of you. Don’t think for a minute that I haven’t read the thousands of loving messages I’ve received around here.

‘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! I have already left the intensive care unit and I am in my room. I continue every day happier, with a lot of disposition to play 90 minutes, plus extra time. We will be together soon!’

Yesterday, his daughter Kely Nascimento confirmed he would be moved out of intensive care to a ‘regular room’ following the surgery. 

‘He is doing well post surgery, he is not in pain and is in a good mood (annoyed that he can only eat jello but will persevere!). He will move into a regular room in the next day or two and then go home,’ Nascimento said on Instagram.

‘He is strong and stubborn and with the support and care of the brilliant team at Einstein and all of the love, energy and light that the world is sending, he will get through this!’