Diego Maradona leaves alcoholism clinic

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has been released from a clinic in Buenos Aires after being treated for alcoholism. Maradona was admitted to the private Avril Clinic, which specialises in treating addictions, on 21 April. He was first taken to hospital at the end of March 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.

His doctor, Alfredo Cahe, said of his release on Monday: "It's a very positive step for his treatment."

Maradona, 46, is still expected to report to the clinic as an outpatient three times a week.

"He no longer has to spend the night there," Dr Cahe said.

Maradona was discharged from hospital in April after two weeks of treatment but was taken back two days later suffering from strong abdominal pains and then admitted to the clinic.

In 1991 Maradona 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.

Maradona was taken to hospital in 2000 and 2004 for heart attacks brought on by drug abuse.

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.