Maradona self-isolates after bodyguard displays coronavirus symptoms: Argentina football star fears he is high risk due to drug abuse and poor health
- Maradona began isolating at his home in Argentina on Tuesday, agent has said
- Comes after one of his bodyguards fell ill with a fever and loss of taste and smell
- Guard is due to be tested today, while Maradona will be swabbed on Thursday
- 59-year-old football legend, who turns 60 on Friday, has a history of poor health related to drug and alcohol abuse, and his weight
Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has gone into coronavirus isolation after one of his bodyguard began showing symptoms of the virus.
The 59-year-old, who turns 60 on Friday, began isolating at his home in Argentina on Tuesday, after last coming into contact with the guard on Saturday.
Maradona is not currently displaying symptoms and is due to be screen for the virus on Thursday, local media reported.
He is considered at risk from the virus because of poor health caused by drug and alcohol abuse, and weight issues.
Maradona went into coronavirus isolation at home in Argentina on Tuesday after a bodyguard, who he came into contact with on Saturday, began showing symptoms of the virus (file)
The guard is set to undergo a coronavirus test today, local media reported, after displaying symptoms including a fever and a loss of taste and smell.
Maradona has a history of health issues. In 2004, he was treated in hospital for severe heart and respiratory problems linked to his drug abuse.
He has suffered two heart attacks, and also contracted hepatitis.
He has also undergone two gastric bypass operations to control his weight and received treatment for alcohol abuse.
In January, he had surgery to stem bleeding in his stomach and in July he underwent a knee operation.
The 59-year-old, who is set to turn 60 on Friday, has a history of health problems related to drug and alcohol abuse, and is currently overweight – putting him at risk from the virus (file)
Maradona, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, is currently the coach of Argentine first division outfit Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata who are due to play Patronato on Friday.
Several weeks ago he went into self-isolation after one of his players contracted the coronavirus, and last week he skipped training again.
Argentina’s coronavirus outbreak has been steadily growing since May and began rapidly accelerating in June.
The country has now recorded more than 1million cases, the seventh highest total in the world, and 29,000 deaths.
It’s current daily infection rate is among the highest in South America, having initially been spared the worst of the virus.