Skip to main content
BBC NEWS / AMERICAS
Graphics VersionBBC Sport Home
News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
Sunday, 22 April 2007, 14:02 GMT 15:02 UK

Maradona treated for alcoholism

An altar in tribute to Maradona in Naples Argentine football great Diego Maradona has been transferred from hospital to a private psychiatric clinic in Buenos Aires for treatment for alcoholism.

Dr Alfredo Cahe, Maradona's personal doctor, said the 46-year-old had chosen to go to the specialist clinic.

Maradona has spent much of the past month in hospital with acute toxic hepatitis related to alcohol abuse.

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

Fans have been watching Maradona's health with growing concern since he was admitted to hospital on 28 March, spending two weeks undergoing treatment.

He was discharged only to be taken to hospital two days later, suffering from strong abdominal pains.

Last week, Dr Cahe suggested doctors had persuaded Maradona to undergo alcohol abuse rehabilitation at a psychiatric treatment centre.

The former footballer had realised how serious his condition was and how alcohol was affecting him, Dr Cahe said.

Problems

Maradona is now at the private Avril Clinic which specialises in treating addictions.

Diego Maradona gives his thumb up to fans at La Bombonera stadium, 18 March, 2007 Dr Cahe said neither he nor the clinic would discuss Maradona's stay there.

Maradona's latest health crisis follows years of ill health and problems on and off the field.

In 1991 he was banned from playing football for 15 months after failing a drugs test. He tested positive again for banned drugs at the 1994 World Cup in the US.

He retired from competitive sport in 1997. In 2000, and again in 2004, he collapsed with heart problems and was taken to hospital.

Two years ago, he had a stomach stapling operation. He lost 30kg (66lb) and began playing football again.

But recently, Argentine media reported he had put on weight and was considering another slimming cure.

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




E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:
Diego Maradona back in hospital (13 Apr 07 |  Americas )
Maradona released from hospital (11 Apr 07 |  Americas )
Inquiry into Maradona's finances (07 Mar 07 |  Americas )
Five days with Diego (30 Apr 06 |  Football )
Maradona arrested at Rio airport (22 Dec 05 |  Americas )
Maradona stands by 'Hand of God' (23 Aug 05 |  Americas )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Maradona official website
BBC News Sport
Avril Clinic (in Spanish)
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC NEWS: 

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |

NewsWatch | Notes | Contact us | About BBC News | Profiles | History

^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©