Maradona released from hospital

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/6543703.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Argentine former football star Diego Maradona has left hospital following nearly two weeks of treatment for acute hepatitis related to alcohol abuse.

Maradona was released from a Buenos Aires clinic at midnight on Tuesday (0300 GMT on Wednesday).

However, the 46-year-old still faces a long road to full recovery, his personal doctor said.

Maradona, who led the Argentine team to victory in the 1986 World Cup, has battled cocaine addiction and obesity.

A medical report issued by the hospital said doctors recommended medical and dietary treatments as alternative therapies to be continued after his release, state media cited.

Troubled star

The former Argentine team captain is still idolised in his home country, and his fans have been watching and waiting for any news.

Maradona: One of the greatest players of the 20th Century As well as leading the winning World Cup team, Maradona won league titles at home and in Italy.

But in 1991 he was banned for 15 months after failing a drugs test and tested positive again for banned drugs at the 1994 World Cup in the US.

He retired from competitive sport in 1997. In 2004, he spent 10 days in intensive care with high blood pressure, breathing problems and a lung infection.

Two years ago, he had a stomach stapling operation. He lost 30kg (66lb), began playing football again and appeared to be getting his life back on track.

But the Argentine media recently reported that Maradona had put on weight and was considering taking a slimming cure in Switzerland.

Last month, Argentina's central bank said it was investigating him for alleged financial irregularities.