Maradona set to leave hospital

Diego Maradona is set to leave hospital for the second time on Friday, hospital sources said.

Diego Maradona, recovering from a life threatening heart and lung condition, is set to leave hospital for the second time on Friday, hospital sources said.

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Maradona, who initially spent 11 days in the Suizo-Argentina clinic last month before being readmitted on Wednesday, is thought to be going to a drugs rehabilitation centre but that has yet to be officially confirmed.

His departure has been delayed because of discussions between his family, who want him to check out immediately, and hospital staff, who would prefer he stayed longer to bring about a complete recovery.

The 43-year-old 1986 World Cup winner for Argentina however is said to want to return to the luxurious residence at General Rodriguez, 5Okm to the north west of Buenos Aires, where he spent his time between hospital stays.

Maradona's ex-wife Claudia Villafane, his private doctor Alfredo Cahe, plus relatives and hospital staff have all been involved in discussions as to where Maradona will be going.

The hospital has so far not made a public statement on Maradona's health on Friday though on Thursday they said he was responding well to treatment.

Maradona has been battling his cocaine addiction at a specialist drugs center in Cuba for the past four years.