Maradona recovering in hospital, admission not related to COVID-19

Diego Maradona is recovering in hospital after being admitted Monday, his personal doctor told ESPN in Argentina.

Dr. Leopoldo Luque said Tuesday the Argentine icon, who was hospitalized in La Plata, is anemic and "psychologically ill," but his situation is not related to COVID-19.

Luque noted that the 60-year-old's condition is not considered serious, but he said the World Cup winner will need "long-term treatment that will continue after he leaves the hospital."

"My idea is to have him at least three days to check on him and keep him under control, but if he wanted to work he could do so now," Luque said.

The doctor added: "He is very weak, very tired, and having trouble walking. And the anemia has many factors, one of them being nutrition. He has had the gastric bypass, which means he does not absorb iron very well, and he is more likely to suffer from these types of problems.

"The medical recommendation is that he rest, but the decision is up to him. But he is awake and he took a walk down the hall this morning."

Maradona, who celebrated his 60th birthday Friday, currently manages Argentine side Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata. He attended the team's 3-0 win over Patronato on Friday but left before the match kicked off.

The former Boca Juniors, Barcelona, and Napoli star has battled a series of health scares since retiring in 1997. He's been hospitalized multiple times, with issues ranging from internal stomach bleeding to severe heart and respiratory problems.

Maradona has also dealt with drug and alcohol addiction, and has undergone two gastric bypass surgeries to help control his weight.