Maradona released

"He was released," a source at the Buenos Aires clinic where Maradona was treated said on condition of anonymity. "There was a meeting between his family members and the doctors and they decided to release him."

Maradona had suffered from alcohol-induced hepatitis and was sedated for days to help ease his withdrawal.

State news agency Telam cited a medical report issued by the hospital, which said: "Diego Armando Maradona was granted medical release today. (Doctors) recommended medical and dietary treatments as alternative therapies to be continued after his release."

Maradona's personal doctor, Alfredo Cahe, had told Reuters earlier on Tuesday that his patient was anxious to leave the hospital and could be released over the weekend. Cahe also said he hoped Maradona could travel to Switzerland soon to continue his treatment there.

Known as one of the game's greatest players, Maradona, 46, has fought cocaine addiction and obesity since retiring 10 years ago.

In 2004, Maradona was hospitalized with severe heart and respiratory problems linked to cocaine use. He later underwent drug rehabilitation in Cuba and Argentina before a stomach-stapling operation in 2005 helped him lose weight.

That same year, he hosted a TV talk show in Argentina after declaring himself fully recovered.

Soccer's governing body, FIFA, named Maradona - the former captain who led Argentina to a World Cup victory in 1986 - and Brazil's Pele the two greatest players of the 20th century.