ARGENTINA: SOCCER/FOOTBALL - Doctor says Argentine soccer icon Diego Maradona will remain in hospital

Argentine soccer star Diego Maradona will remain in the hospital for 'a few more days', according to comments made by his personal doctor on Wednesday (April 18). The 46-year-old Maradona, considered by many to be the greatest soccer player of all time, was hospitalized on Sunday for abdominal pain just 48 hours after he left a different clinic where he spent two weeks. His personal doctor Dr. Alfredo Cahe told a local radio station that he will continue his treatment for hepatitis related to alcoholism. Media gathered outside the hospital in Buenos Aires to receive today's medical report, but many were disappointed by the lack of change after rumours had circulated that Maradona may be released later this week. A national hero for his exploits on the soccer field, the beloved soccer legend has had a string of health problems since he retired 10 years ago. In 2004, Maradona came close to death with heart problems associated with cocaine abuse. While in 2005, he had a stomach stapling operation to fight obesity. The charismatic Maradona slimmed down after the operation and seemed to initiating a new phase in his life, hosting a television show and making numerous emotive public appearances. However, Maradona's weight swelled again and he often appeared in inebriated in public. His health gets blanket media coverage at home, complete with news conferences by panels of doctors. After his first hospital stint in early April, Maradona said he was totally recovered from alcohol-induced hepatitis and pledged to follow doctors' orders not to drink. At the time, he said nothing would stop him from going to Sunday's match between his old team Boca Juniors and arch rival River Plate. Maradona led Argentina to its second World Cup victory in 1986.

ITN Source | April 20, 2007

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