Argentine 1980's soccer star Diego Maradona will leave the clinic where he has been interned for 15 days now but is not cured, his personal doctor Alfredo Cahe said Tuesday.

The medical discharge will be the beginning of a long process in Maradona's recovery from drinking, Cahe told the press.

Maradona, 46, was interned March 28 in Guemes Hospital due to health problems caused by excessive drinking and eating.

Cahe said Maradona has overcome his cocaine addiction but now has a drinking problem which caused a liver inflammation.

Maradona's personal doctor said he suggests taking the former soccer player to a rehabilitation clinic in Switzerland, although the player's family wants him to remain in Buenos Aires.

The director of Guemes hospital, Hector Pezzella, said Maradonais more aware of his health problems and asks about the dangers entailed by his overdrinking and excessive eating.

Pezzella said Maradona "listens when we give him explanations", but continues sedated to keep him calm.

Maradona has complained about the sedatives because they have caused stomach irritation, added Pezzella.

Editor: Donald