Diego Maradona underwent successful brain surgery for a subdural hematoma on Tuesday, his doctor announced Wednesday.
“I was able to evacuate the hematoma successfully and Diego tolerated the surgery very well,” Dr. Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s neurosurgeon and personal physician, told reporters, according to ESPN.
The Argentina icon, who turned 60 on Oct. 30, was admitted to hospital in La Plata on Monday with anemia, dehydration, and depression. An MRI on Tuesday morning revealed the blood clot on the surface of his brain, and it was determined Maradona would require emergency surgery.
“Diego is under control. He has a small drain (to remove fluid) that we are planning to take out tomorrow. His stay at the hospital will depend on his evolution,” Luque added. “But the start of his recovery was great. The way he reacted after the surgery is promising.”
Luque, who noted the operation took about 80 minutes, said Tuesday the surgery would be “routine.”
Maradona currently manages Argentine side Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata. He attended the club’s 3-0 win over Patronato on Friday but left before the match started.
The former Napoli and Barcelona star played a pivotal role in helping Argentina win the 1986 World Cup.
Maradona’s health has been a topic of interest throughout his life. He’s dealt with drug and alcohol addiction and has also undergone two gastric bypass surgeries to address his weight issues.
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