Pele thanks fans for 'gratifying' support, leaves hospital

Rio de Janeiro: Pele has thanked his legion of fans from around the world after being discharged from a Brazilian hospital.

The 74-year-old said Tuesday he drew strength from the messages of support during his two weeks at Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein Hospital, reports Xinhua.

"I would like to thank all friends that have sent me messages and were worried about me," Pele said.

"It was something I was not expecting, but I was not afraid to die. I've had messages from China, Pakistan, from almost all the European countries."

"It is gratifying and good to know that I had the support of so many people around the world who were hoping the situation improved."

Pele was admitted to the hospital Nov 24 after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. After originally being treated with antibiotics, he was transferred to intensive care and placed on dialysis to help support his only kidney.

He said he is now looking forward to the Olympic Games, which Rio de Janeiro will host in 2016.

Regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all times, Pele played in Brazil's 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cup-winning teams.