Diego Maradona had spoken his first words since being admitted to hospital 10 days ago with heart and breathing problems.

Although he remains in intensive care the 43-year-old’s condition has stabilised and he opened his eyes before speaking to his family.

Maradona was taken to hospital on 18 April with breathing trouble before tests also revealed infected lungs.

“While this process is going to be slow, one can say things are now better and I’m relieved,” his daughter Dalma said.

The hospital added: “The breathing functions are intact and the brain tomography showed normal parameters. His heart rhythm and blood pressure are normal.”