The Hindu : Sport / Football : Pele prays for Maradona

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Thursday, Apr 05, 2007
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Pele prays for Maradona

Sao Paulo: Pele said he is praying for Diego Maradona's quick recovery from the health problems that prompted his hospitalisation last week in Argentina.

"It's a pity he had a relapse," Pele said on Tuesday. "But we can't do anything now, just keep praying."

The 47-year-old Maradona was hospitalised at a Buenos Aires clinic last Wednesday for acute hepatitis brought on by alcohol abuse as well as overeating and smoking.

Doctors said his health continued to improve, but he was expected to remain hospitalised for at least 15 days. Maradona's life was in danger, and doctors have said his latest health problems are not as serious as in 2000 and 2004, when he was near death from his cocaine addiction.

"We tried to do everything to help," Pele said. "I even went to his TV show and participated in his farewell match."

Revered in Argentina, Maradona led his country to the 1986 World Cup title and the final in 1990. But he later struggled with drug addiction and obesity, and in 2005 had gastric bypass surgery.

In 2001, Pele and Maradona were voted by FIFA as the greatest players in football history.

Pele also talked about Brazilian striker Romario and his quest for the 1,000th career goal. "I'm glad he didn't score the goal last Sunday because it was April's Fool's, people could joke that it was a lie," Pele said. — AP

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