In this handout screengrab dated Oct 17, 2020 taken from a video released by Pele's Press Office shows the Brazilian former football player Edson Arantes do Nascimento, know as Pele, speaking to the camera in Santos, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. (JOE FRAGA / PELE'S PRESS OFFICE / AFP)

Pele said he is ready for "90 minutes, plus extra time" after leaving the intensive care unit (ICU) of a Sao Paulo hospital following surgery to remove a tumor from the Brazilian soccer great's colon.

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 ICU and I am in my room.

Pele, Brazilian soccer great

The 80-year-old, three-times World Cup winner was admitted to Alberto Einstein hospital after the tumor was found during routine tests. The tumor was removed earlier this month and sent for analysis.

ALSO READ: Pele transferred out of intensive care, says hospital

"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," Pele said on Instagram.

"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 ICU 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!"

READ MORE: Pele recovering in hospital following removal of tumor

Pele has suffered from hip problems for years and cannot walk unaided. His public appearances were already being cut before the COVID-19 pandemic and since then he has made few unnecessary forays outside his house near Santos.