BUENOS AIRES, April 23 (UPI) -- Doctors in Buenos Aires announced Friday that Argentina's legendary soccer player Diego Maradona was no longer in critical condition.
A hospital statement said Maradona was taken off his respirator, though he remains in intensive care.
The 43-year-old former soccer phenomenon was admitted to a hospital Sunday for high blood pressure and respiratory failure.
His private physician has denied his maladies were drug-related even though Maradona has a history of illness related to cocaine use.
Thousands of fans gathered outside the hospital where Maradona was recuperating earlier this week and Argentine President Nestor Kirchner wished him a speedy recovery.
Maradona is revered at home for a career spanning 20 years and for leading Argentina to the 1986 World Cup Championship.
