Doctors 'amazed' as Diego Maradona recovers from brain surgery

Surgeons at a private clinic in Buenos Aires spent 80 minutes removing the clot from the Argentine legend on Tuesday night

Supporters of Diego Maradona gather outside the hospital where he undergoes a brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires . AFP

Large banners of Diego Maradona are placed outside the hospital where he undergoes a brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires. AFP

Supporters of Diego Maradona gather outside the hospital where he undergoes a brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires. AFP

Supporters of Diego Maradona gather outside the hospital where he undergoes a brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires. AFP

Supporters of Diego Maradona gather outside the hospital where he undergoes a brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires. AFP

A fan wearing a face mask with images of Diego Maradona looks on outside Clínica Olivos on November 03, 2020 in Olivos, Argentina. Getty Images

A fan of Diego Maradona stands outside the clinic where he underwent surgery for a subdural haematoma. Reuters

Fans of Diego Maradona wearing face masks wait outside of Clínica Olivos. Getty Images

Fans hold a jersey with the face of Diego Maradona at Clínica Olivos. Getty Images

Supporters of Diego Maradona gather outside the hospital where underwent brain surgery for a blood clot. AFP

Fans gather outside Clinica Olivos where Diego Maradona underwent surgery in Buenos Aires. AP Photo

Fans show a flag with the face of Diego Maradona at Clínica Olivos. Getty Images

Fans of Diego Maradona show their support as Maradona is transferred from La Plata to Buenos Aires for his operation. EPA

Fans of Diego Maradona show their support as Maradona is transferred from La Plata to Buenos Aires for his operation. EPA

Fans of Diego Maradona show their support as Maradona is transferred from La Plata to Buenos Aires for his operation. EPA

Fans of Diego Maradona show their support as Maradona is transferred from La Plata to Buenos Aires for his operation. EPA

Doctors treating Argentine football legend Diego Maradona are "amazed" at how he is healing following brain surgery to move a blood clot, his physician said.

Surgeons at a private clinic in Buenos Aires spent 80 minutes removing the clot on Tuesday night with the latest update painting a picture of a Maradona recovering well and in good spirits.

"I just saw him, he's switched on, in a very good mood. We are amazed at how he's healing," said the doctor, Leopoldo Luque, who provided an update on the 60-year-old's condition.

However, he urged the need for caution with Maradona "still in the post-operative period".

"It is clear that he has no neurological complications," said Luque, speaking to reporters through a mask.

"There are other parameters that we are waiting to evaluate, because it is still very early. But the recovery is excellent."

The comments sparked loud cheering and chanting from fans of Maradona who have hung banners depicting his glory day outside the clinic.

"Once more his health has played a trick on him but he has antibodies to recover with the help of the people," fan Oscar Medina told AFP.

World Cup winner Maradona had been taken to hospital in La Plata – where he is the coach of top flight side Gimnasia y Esgrima – on Monday for a series of tests after feeling unwell.

A scan revealed the blood clot, and on Tuesday he was transferred to the specialist clinic in a northern neighbourhood of the capital.

Maradona, who turned 60 on Friday, has suffered ill health before. He has survived two heart attacks, and also contracted hepatitis and undergone gastric bypass surgery.

Groups of fans congregated outside the clinic with banners showing Maradona's face and the words "Come on, Diego!"

Following this surgery, fellow Argentina star Lionel Messi sent him a message of support.

"Diego, all the strength in the world. My family and I want to see you well as soon as possible," said the Barcelona forward, who like Maradona in his pomp wears the No 10 jersey.

Due to his age and previous health issues, Maradona is considered high risk in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Argentina hard.

Several times in the last eight months he has been in isolation and was forced to stay at home last week after a bodyguard showed coronavirus symptoms, although he later tested negative.

Prior to falling ill, Maradona had been depressed, his lawyer Matias Morla said on Wednesday.

The former Barcelona and Napoli playmaker had only been able to spend half an hour at his own birthday celebration at his team's training ground on Friday, when he had difficulty walking.

Maradona's daughter, Dalma, said she had visited her father after his surgery but did not give further details of his condition.

"I just want to thank everyone for the constant displays of love for my dad, for my sister and for me, thanks to everyone who prayed for him," she tweeted on Wednesday morning.

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Maradona in pictures