Diego Maradona has left hopsital 12 days after going into intensive care with heart and breathing problems. A statement from the Suizo-Argentina hospital confirmed that Maradona had checked out in line with the wishes of his family and personal doctor.

He avoided the fans and journalists camped outside the hospital by departing in a car with tinted windows.

It is not known where Maradona was heading, but it is believed doctors had given him the all-clear to leave.

Doctors said on Wednesday he was standing up and had taking his first steps since being hospitalized.