Maradona continues to improve

DIEGO MARADONA was able to get out of his hospital bed and walk a few steps yesterday.

The former Argentine soccer legend remains under observation in a Buenos Aires clinic after being admitted 10 days ago with hypertension and breathing problems later diagnosed as a lung infection but his condition appears to be improving.

An official statement from the Suizo Argentina Clinic said: "Diego Maradona's condition remains stable with a progressive improvement in his cardiac and pulmonary functions.

"He doesn't have a high temperature and antibiotics are the only medication he's receiving through blood.

"He is on a normal feeding programme and was able to walk around his room on Wednesday."

The statement added that he will stay in the intensive care unit to make sure he receives greater privacy.