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

SAO PAULO - Brazilian soccer great Pele returned to hospital on Monday as he continues to receive treatment for cancer, Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein hospital said in a medical note on Tuesday.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento's clinical condition is good and stable, and he is likely to be discharged in the next few days, doctors said, using Pele's full name.

The 81-year-old had a tumor removed from his colon in September 2021 and has since been in and out of hospital for treatment on a regular basis.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (left) receives from Brazilian football legend Pele the FIFA/FIFPro World XI award on Jan 9, 2012 at the Kongresshaus in Zurich during the FIFA Ballon d'Or event. (FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)

Widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, the former Santos, New York Cosmos and Brazil player has suffered a series of health issues in recent years, including hip surgery that left him with recurring pain and trouble walking unaided.

READ MORE: Pele to remain in hospital with infection

In February, Pele was admitted to hospital for a round of chemotherapy when a urinary infection was identified, keeping him in longer than was planned.