Brazilian football legend Pele has a urinary tract infection and will be kept in hospital for longer than his doctors had planned.

Pele, 81, who underwent chemotherapy for a colon tumor that was removed in September, returned to Albert Einstein Hospital on February 13.

“However, during his stay, routine examinations were performed that showed the presence of a urinary tract infection, a fact that prolongs his stay as a patient in the hospital”, reported by the Brazilian media.

According to a report from ESPN, Pele underwent an endoscopy last week which weakened him and he has difficulty eating and speaking.

Pele underwent chemotherapy to treat the tumor that was found during routine examinations in late August. He was placed in intensive care for a short time immediately after colon surgery and has since recovered.