Date:26/04/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/04/26/stories/2004042602461900.htm

Sport - Football

Maradona back on respirator

BUENOS AIRES, APRIL 25. Diego Maradona was put back on an artificial respirator on Saturday.

Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, has been in intensive care battling serious heart and lung problems for nearly a week.

The return to a breathing tube was meant to assist the 43-year-old former player with his breathing but did not mark any ``worsening'' of his health, a daily medical statement said.

Maradona remains in ``guarded condition,'' the statement said, adding his recovery would be ``slow and laborious.''

Doctors are treating the Argentine soccer idol with drugs for a heart inflammation and antibiotics for a lung infection. — AP