Elliott Gotkine
BBC South America correspondent |
 Maradona was checked into a psychiatric clinic without his consent |
Diego Maradona's doctor has said the football legend's admission to a drugs rehabilitation clinic on Sunday could be the last chance to save his life. Maradona, 43, was transferred there just three weeks after being admitted to hospital with a swollen heart, high blood pressure and a lung infection.
He left the Buenos Aires hospital after 10 days but was soon readmitted with digestive problems and fatigue.
Dr Alfredo Cahe said he was likely to remain in hospital "for some time".
The Argentine former football star has been undergoing drug rehabilitation for the past four years.
When he first checked himself out of hospital on 29 April, he embarked on an orgy of barbeques, fizzy drinks and golf, just days after being taken off a respirator and regaining consciousness.
 |  I hope that he'll finally wake up and take responsibility |
It was hardly what the doctor had ordered and so it came as little surprise to his millions of adoring fans when the Argentine idol was readmitted less than a week later.
Alarmed at his behaviour, Maradona's ex-wife and their two daughters authorised his transfer to a secluded clinic which specialises in treating drug addicts with mental health problems.
They did so without Maradona's consent.
Speaking to reporters camped outside the clinic, Dr Cahe said he hoped his famous client would "wake up" and "take responsibility for his actions".
"So far, he hasn't done that," he added.
Although Maradona was diagnosed with a severe heart condition four years ago, following a cocaine overdose, Dr Cahe has repeatedly insisted that drugs were not the direct cause of his client's recent hospitalisation.
MMIX
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