"Tests on Maradona 'favourable' so far"

Initial medical tests on Diego Maradona for alcoholism and excessive eating, are all "favourable", doctors said.

Initial medical tests on Diego Maradona, who is being treated at a private clinic for alcoholism and excessive eating, are all "favourable" and the Argentine soccer hero remains in stable condition, doctors said.

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A day after Maradona was taken by ambulance to the Guemes Sanatorium, clinic director Hector Pezzella said the 47-year-old former star spent yesterday under sedation to avoid problems with withdrawal from alcohol.

He said Maradona's life was not in danger and that he was in stable condition and improving.

"Alcoholism in Mr. Maradona or in any other patient is not something to be taken lightly. One has to treat it," Pezzella declared at the door of the clinic. "They are undertaking treatment specifically for addiction."

Later yesterday, Pezzella told a news conference that several routine tests had been conducted and "all the results are favorable."

"There is a very good evolution" under way, Pezzella said, adding no "pathology" or underlying disease condition was detected.

Maradona led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title and the final in 1990. In 2001, FIFA declared him one of the greatest players in soccer history, alongside Pele.

But off the field, he has battled cocaine addiction and obesity.