Castro hopes Maradona will come back to Cuba

Fidel Castro said yesterday that he hopes Diego Maradona can return to Cuba, where he spent several years undergoing drug rehabilitation. Maradona, 43, has been receiving medical treatment in Argentina in recent weeks for serious heart and lung problems.

The Cuban president, who was speaking late on Wednesday during a reception at the home of the Argentinian Ambassador to Cuba, Raul Taleb, described himself as a friend and admirer of Maradona and said: "I hope he can come." He did not make it clear whether or not this was for Maradona to receive medical help.

Maradona has repeatedly said in recent months that he wants to return to Cuba, but his family has fought to keep him in Argentina for treatment. The Cuban leader said he recently had a "friendly" telephone conversation with Maradona, who bears a tattoo of Castro's face on one leg.

"He has struggled with the problem he had and it hasn't been easy," Castro said. "He is a person who has prestige, fame. I think he is a noble guy and undoubtedly a great athlete."

Maradona came to Cuba for drug treatment in early 2000, after being admitted to hospital in Uruguay with a severe heart condition, and stayed there for the better part of three years. His most recent round of health problems emerged while visiting Argentina.