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.

An elegant playmaker known for his great vision on the field, Socrates captained Brazil in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.