Maradona's last chance

Diego Maradona was today beginning a lengthy rehabilitation programme at a psychiatric hospital as his personal physician declared that it could be the "last chance" to save the football legend's life.

Maradona's family have transferred him from an intensive care ward where he was being treated for heart and lung problems to a private clinic in Buenos Aires specialising in mental health treatment for drug addictions.

Doctor Alfredo Cahe, Maradona's personal physician, said the 43-year-old will remain hospitalised "for some time".

Speaking for the first time about how Maradona's past drug problems are affecting his health now, Dr Cahe said: "We have to preserve him as an idol, but we must think in human terms. I get the impression that this is the last chance we have.

"Anyone who has ever had to deal with an addict in his family will understand what a tragedy this can be. This may be the last opportunity we have to help Diego.

"I'm hopeful that Diego, facing this tough situation, will do whatever he needs to change. So far, he hasn't done that."

Argentina's greatest sportsman was feared to be on his deathbed last month after being rushed to hospital with heart and lung trouble. He spent two weeks in intensive care, including a week on an artificial respirator.

After a slow recovery, he suddenly discharged himself but was taken back to hospital in an ambulance with breathing problems days later.

Dr Cahe said Maradona's condition is now stable but refused to provide any details of what kind of treatment the former footballer would undergo. He is known to have had major drug problems and had been living at a spa in Cuba, where he had undertaken treatment for cocaine addiction since 2000.

Buenos Aires' Clinica Privada is being heavily guarded by police and private security.

But only hours after Maradona's arrival, fans hung "Get Well" messages on a gate.