Maradona leaves psychiatric clinic

By Juan Bustamante

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona checked out of a psychiatric clinic but will continue alcohol abuse treatment at home, his doctor said on Monday.

Maradona, who was hospitalized for alcoholic hepatitis in March and then moved to a psychiatric clinic two weeks ago, will continue going to the clinic three times a week for follow-up treatment, Dr. Alfredo Cahe told Reuters.

One of the most brilliant soccer players ever, Maradona led Argentina to its 1986 World Cup victory and is intensely revered in his own country and around the world.

"We will continue taking care of his liver," Cahe said. "The important factors have been abstinence, which he is handling well, and the liver issue. Hepatitis evolves in a certain way and it must be controlled. He's getting better and better."

Maradona, who retired from professional soccer in 1997, has had a series of health problems linked to what Cahe has called his addictive personality.

In 1991 he failed a dope tests for cocaine and was arrested for cocaine as well. In 2000 and 2004 he was hospitalized for heart problems related to cocaine abuse and in 2005 he had a gastric bypass operation because he was overweight.

Cahe, who has been Maradona's doctor since he was a teenager, said the sports idol has resolved to do what it takes to get healthy.