Former Argentine World Cup-winning captain Diego Maradona is in intensive care, suffering from high blood pressure and breathing failure.
Maradona was admitted to a private clinic just hours after seeing former side Boca Juniors play.
Maradona, who has been battling drug addiction for years, has been sedated and attached to a respirator.
“Maradona is receiving medication to strengthen the heart; and as he developed acute respiratory failure he was put on a ventilator and therefore is heavily sedated,” said the hospital statement.
“The reaction to the medication has been favourable, and he is stabilised.”
But Maradona’s family doctor Alfredo Cahe refused to comment on those reports.
Dozens of well-wishers flocked to the Suizo-Argentina clinic as news of Maradona’s condition spread.
In his 20-year career, Maradona won Italian and Argentine league titles and led Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986 and second place in 1990. In 2000, Maradona tied with Pele for the accolade of the world’s best ever player.
