Pele's rival ends feud and 'praying' for Brazil legend as his condition worsens

Brazilian football legend Romario has voiced his support for Pele after the 82-year-old's health rapidly worsened in recent weeks, ending years of hostility between the pair

Kasra Moradi Senior Sports Journalist

16:05, 27 Dec 2022

Romario has ended his bitter feud with Pele(Image: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Pele’s rival and fellow Brazilian legend Romario has ended their bitter feud by ‘praying’ for his recovery.

Three-time World Cup winner Pele’s health has rapidly deteriorated in recent weeks. The 82-year-old has battled colon cancer since September 2021 but was admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital again in late November after doctors said his cancer had advanced.

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The former striker’s latest health scare saw his family gather at his bedside over Christmas, with fans and fellow footballers around the world expressing their support for the global icon.

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Among them was former foe Romario, who offered his well wishes despite their fiery feud over the years.

The 56-year-old footballer-turned-politician told Ge Globo: "King, get better. So much faith. The whole world is looking and praying for you. Improvements! I kiss your heart."

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The pair became embroiled in a bitter spat in 2007 when Romario stated Pele was a “poet when he doesn’t speak”. He also said Pele counted goals he scored in beach football and volleyball in the 1,283 goals he claimed to have netted throughout his career.

Pele's health has deteriorated in recent weeks(Image: iamkelynascimento/Instagram)

Legendary striker Romario is "praying" for his compatriot(Image: Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)

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Three-time World Cup winner Pele hit back by calling fellow former striker Romario “ignorant”, saying: "There are lots of people who don't really know what they want and simply attack the past.

"But I'm a Catholic and I believe that God always forgiven the ignorant, so I forgive the ignorant."

The Selecao icons continued to take aim at each other over the years but fans will be glad to see that two juggernauts of Brazilian football have finally put their differences aside.

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Pele won three World Cups for Brazil(Image: Getty Images)

His family have gathered around him in hospital over Christmas

Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento offered an emotional update on his condition on Christmas Eve, captioning her Instagram post: "Here we go, in the fight and in faith. One more night together."

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The image featured Kely laying on the chest of her father, who had tubes from his body into the hospital equipment as he laid in bed.

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