Maradona improving, says daughter
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Diego Maradona was breathing with the aid of an oxygen mask as he began a second week in intensive care with heart and lung problems.
The Argentine legend's teenage daughter, Dalma, said that although Maradona was still sedated an artificial respirator that regulated his breathing last week had been removed.
"I am relieved and pleased because, while this process is going to be slow, one can say things are now better. They are much better compared with the day when he was admitted," said the 17-year-old.
"He has a separate God and, for this reason, there's no doubt he'll get better. Obviously he's very strong."
Maradona, 43, was admitted to the Suizo-Argentina clinic on April 18 with a heart inflammation condition and a lung infection.
Since then supporters have gathered outside the hospital in homage to the man who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title who is, along with Brazilian Pele, widely considered to be the greatest player ever.
Dalma Maradona said she had been spending time at her father's bedside with her sister Gianinna, 14, and their mother Claudia, Maradona's ex-wife.
"Only my sister, my mother and I have access to him," she said in an interview with the America television network.
"We hold him by the hand. He's sleeping; he doesn't hear us."
She also criticized media reports claiming that Maradona required a heart transplant and that a hospital employee had taken photographs of him using a mobile phone.
"They've treated him without respect, taking advantage of the fact that my dad can't answer back because he's under sedation," she said.
"I just want them to have a little respect, nothing more. You can understand the media interest but not the seriousness of the lies.
"The one about the photos is a lie and also when they said he was going to have a heart transplant. All of a sudden, everybody is my father's doctor. But nobody knows what's being going on in there."