Brazilian football legend Pele said he is recovering after a recent surgery to remove a tumor in his right colon.

"My friends, with each passing day I feel a little better. I'm looking forward to playing again, but I'm still going to recover for a few more days," the 80-year-old said on Instagram late Friday.

"While I'm here, I take the opportunity to talk a lot with my family and to rest. Thanks again for all the loving messages. We'll be together again soon!"

He underwent the operation on Sept. 4 after being admitted to Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital on Aug. 31 for routine annual checkups.

One of the football greats, Pele helped Brazil win the FIFA World Cup three times in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He still has the most World Cup wins as a player./agencies