Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty; Stephane Cardinale/Corbis/Getty
Pelé’s eldest daughter is sending off her father with a heartfelt post.
Kely Christina Arantes do Nascimentoshared an impactful photo on Instagram showing a bunch of hands — presumably hissix living childrenand his wife — grasping Pelé’s hands in what appears to be a hospital.
Translated from Portuguese, thecaptioned read, “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace. 💔💔💔.”
“We decided with the doctors that, for various reasons, it would be better for us to stay here with all the care that this new family at Einstein gives us!!” Nascimentowrote. “We, as always, thank you for all the love you show us here in Brazil as well as around the world! Your love for him and your stories and prayers are a HUGE comfort because we know we are not alone.”
“We wish everyone who celebrates a Christmas that filled with family, full of children, some fighting 🤷🏽♀️ and TONS of Love and Health!!” she wrote.
RELATED VIDEO: Pelé, Celebrated Brazilian Soccer Legend, Dead at 82
Pelé had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer since last year, when the cancer was discovered after a routine medical exam.
Last month, Pelé was hospitalized, though his daughter assured fans at the time that there was “no emergencyor new dire prediction.” She said, “I will be there for New Years and promise to post some pictures.”
He was eventually transferred to a palliative care unit at a Brazilian hospital, according toFolha de S.Paulo, after chemotherapy treatments reportedly stopped working. The newspaper reported that his chemo was suspended so he could receive “comforting treatment” for pain relief without “invasive therapies.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Pelé’s death was announced on social media Thursday. A post on his Instagram read, “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.
“His message today becomes a legacy for future generations,” it continued. “Love, love and love, forever.”
Pelé, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, rose to fame playing for Brazilian club Santos and the Brazil national team, winning three FIFA World Cups over the span of his 20-year career. He became widely considered as one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
source: people.com
