Argentina's former World Cup star and skipperDiego Maradona has been admitted to a private clinic for treatment, according to the the hospital's medical services.

The hospital did not specify exactly why Maradona had been admitted although it is widely known that the 43-year-old Argentinian idol has in recent years been battling an addictionto drugs.

Maradona arrived at the Swiss-Argentine run clinic with the Dr Rafael Cahe, who is known for having treated the former Argentina president Carlos Menem.

"He wanted to have a few health check-ups," one of the former footballer's close relatives said.

Further details were not given, although the rumourshere suggest that Maradona had been placed in intensive care.

Maradona's recent return to Argentina from Cuba on March 22 had prompted concern and speculation about his health because of the excess weight he hasput on.

On Sunday Maradona, who helped Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986, watched his former club Boca Juniors play league rivals Nuevo Chicago but left the match during the second half. He was later admitted to the clinic.

Since January 2000, Maradona has spent most of his time Cuba where he has already made attempts to kick his alleged drug habit.

Maradona notched up91 selections and 34 goals for Argentina in a career that began in 1977 and ended in 1994.

He has played for a host of famous clubs including Boca Juniors, Newells Old Boys and Napoli in Italy's Serie A - where he once tested positive for cocaine.

Maradona also played for Barcelona and Sevilla in Spain.