REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SAO PAULO -- Brazilian great Pele said Thursday, Novermber 27, he was not seriously ill, easing fears that his health deteriorated while being treated for a urinary tract infection.

The 74-year-old Pele used his official Twitter account to deny widespread reports that said his condition worsened and that he was put in intensive care.

"I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I am doing fine," he said. "I was not put into intensive care today, I was simply relocated to a special room within the hospital for privacy purposes only."

Pele successfully underwent surgery to remove kidney stones on Nov. 13, but he was readmitted to the hospital on Monday after being diagnosed with the urinary tract infection. The three-time World Cup winner has been hospitalized since then.

"I am blessed to receive your love and support, and thank God this is nothing serious," he said. "I am looking forward to spending the upcoming holidays with my family, and will start the new year with renewed health, with many international trips already planned! Thank you!"

Pele's manager had already said that the former player was expected to make a "quick and full" recovery from the "minor" infection caused by the kidney stones surgery. Paul Kemsley said in a statement sent to The Associated Press that reports about the deterioration of Pele's condition and about him going into intensive care "were greatly exaggerated."

"He was relocated to a special area of the hospital for privacy purposes only, due to having an overwhelming number of visitors which prevented him from getting the necessary care and treatment," he said. "He is expected to make a quick and full recovery."

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