Veteran footballer Maradona recovering well from successful brain surgery, says doctor

Gulf Today Report 

Argentine football great Diego Maradona is recovering "without complications" from successful brain surgery for a blood clot, his personal doctor Leopoldo Luque said on Wednesday.

Maradona was admitted to the Ipensa clinic in La Plata, Argentina, on Monday for anemia and dehydration, before being transferred to Olivos Clinic in Buenos Aires province. Surgeons at the clinic in Buenos Aires spent 80 minutes removing the clot on Tuesday night.

"He has no neurological issues. He's progressing without any complications," said Leopoldo Luque.

Leopoldo Luque gives a medical report outside the clinic in Buenos Aires. AFP

A scan revealed the blood clot, and on Tuesday he was transferred to the specialist clinic in a northern neighbourhood of the capital.

"We managed to successfully remove the clot. Diego coped well with the surgery," said Luque.

Fans of Maradona play football outside the clinic in Buenos Aires. Reuters

Maradona, who turned 60 on Friday, has suffered ill health before. He has survived two heart attacks, and also contracted hepatitis and underwent gastric bypass surgery.

Following this surgery, fellow Argentina football star Lionel Messi sent him a message of support.

"Diego, all the strength in the world. My family and I want to see you well as soon as possible," said the Barcelona forward, who like Maradona in his pomp wears the No.10 jersey.

Groups of fans congregated outside the clinic with banners showing Maradona's face and the words "Come on, Diego!"

"Once more his health has played a trick on him but he has antibodies to recover with the help of the people," fan Oscar Medina said.

Dozens of fans of Gimnasia y Esgrima have converged on the hospital since Monday evening, waving flags and holding posters with messages of support as they waited for news.

Supporters of Maradona gather outside the hospital. AFP

"What we want the most is for Diego to get out of all this. He can be, he is the greatest, the greatest in the world," said Diego Bermudez, 41, a Maradona fan waiting outside the hospital.

Another fan, Oscar Medina, said: "Diego is fighting inside with medics. Hopefully God blesses the medics, to move on from this. His people are out here on the street, hearts beating."