Brazil football legend Pele, who has been hospitalised for three days suffering a urinary infection, reached out to his fans via social media on Thursday to say he's "doing fine."
The Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo said earlier that his condition had "improved" and the 74-year-old - widely regarded as the greatest player of all time - was receiving renal treatment.
But contrary to the hospital's assertion that he was in intensive care, Pele - whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento - said he had simply been moved to another room for increased privacy.
"I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I am doing fine," Pele said in a message published in English on his Facebook page and on Twitter (@Pele).
"I am blessed to receive your love and support, and thank God this is nothing serious," he added.
"I was simply relocated to a special room within the hospital for privacy purposes only. While I appreciate all the visitors that came to see me, I really need to continue my treatment and recovery in peace."
Pele said he would spend upcoming holidays with family and looked forward to beginning 2015 "with renewed health," adding he had "many international trips already planned."
Pele underwent surgery for kidney stones on November 13 and appeared in good humour when he was released two days later, opening his window to salute fans who had gathered around the hospital and joking to journalists: "I am ready to play tomorrow".
He scored 77 goals in 91 games for his country and won his first World Cup aged just 17, scoring twice in the 1958 final win over hosts Sweden.
