Doctors say former Brazil captain Socrates is in stable condition two days after being hospitalized with internal bleeding from the stomach.
The Albert Einstein hospital said in a statement Wednesday the 57-year-old Socrates remains in an intensive care unit and is sedated and on a ventilator.
Doctors said they have reduced the amount of medication needed to keep his blood pressure stabilized.
The hemorrhage was caused by high blood pressure in the vein that carries blood from the digestive system to the liver.
Socrates, who has always acknowledged being a heavy drinker, had been hospitalized with the same problem last month.
Considered by many as one of the greatest midfielder's in the world, the 57-year-old Socrates represented the Brazilian national squad in the 1982 and 1986 Word Cups. The tall and talented midfielder earned 60 caps and netted 22 goals during his days with the national team.
Socrates played for several teams in his career; including stops with Botafogo, Flamengo, and Fiorentina. The football legend is also well-known for earning a doctorate in philosophy while concurrently playing professional football.
Socrates resides in Ribeirao Preto with his wife and six children. He is a columnist for various organizations and practices medicine in his hometown.
