Pele leaves intensive care

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian football great Pele has been moved out of intensive care, 10 days after undergoing surgery to remove a tumor from his colon, the hospital treating him said on Tuesday.

The 80-year-old will continue his recuperation in a general room, according to a statement released by Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein hospital. It did not say when he might be discharged.

Pele posted a message on social media, thanking fans for their support and assuring them that he feels ready "to play 90 minutes".

"Don't think for a minute that I haven't read the thousands of loving messages I've received around here," the three-time World Cup winner wrote 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!"

Pele has battled a series of health problems in recent years, including complications related to hip replacement surgery as well as kidney and prostate conditions.