Recovering Maradona thanks for the support

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona today issued his first public statement since frightening fans 10 days ago with severe heart and lung problems, which landed him in intensive care.

“Mr. Maradona asked us to express his enormous gratitude for the constant support and affection from the people and salutes the Argentine team, wishing it success in (tomorrow’s) match against Morocco,” a message released by the Swiss-Argentine hospital said.

Maradona, 43, has been eating solid food since yesterday, the hospital said, adding that the star was making satisfactory recovery from pneumonia, following his April 18