Argentina Legend Diego Maradona is Recuperating in a Private Clinic After Being Released From Intensive Care

Diego Maradona, released from hospital just two days ago following treatment for acute hepatitis, is recuperating in a private clinic this evening after being rushed to intensive care in the early hours of this morning complaining of abdominal pains.

After five hours he was transferred to the private clinic, with several television trucks and carloads of newspaper reporters following in convoy. "He had abdominal pain and we felt it prudent to bring him here," his personal doctor Alfredo Cahe said shortly after his arrival, at 4.45am, at the Madre Teresa de Calcuta Hospital. "Diego has been hospitalised. His life isn't in danger. He is in intensive care as a precaution."

The 47-year-old had initially been hospitalised on March 28 and was released with a warning to no longer indulge in drink, drugs and excessive eating. Footage of a drunken Maradona swearing at staff in a casino, taken last month, was recently aired on Argentinian TV while doctors have also been concerned by his recent weight gain. "I'm going to follow the instructions of my doctors to the letter," Maradona said earlier this week. "If I don't do it, the only one who will be hurt is me."

Oscar Cicco, the director of the public hospital where Maradona was first taken, said his patient was cooperating with doctors and added that he "is stable and conscious". He suggested that the former footballer could expect to be in hospital for two to three days.

It is unknown whether he will be fit enough to take his place in the private box he holds at Boca Juniors' Bombonera ground for this Sunday's "superclassico", the derby against River Plate. During his brief period out of hospital he promised that he would be at the game. "Nothing will stop me from supporting the boys," he said. "I'll go even if it's by ambulance."