Maradona, 46, was hospitalized last week suffering from hepatitis-related pain, but entered a psychiatric clinic in Buenos Aires for extended rehab, said his personal physician, Alfredo Cahe.

"Diego has become aware of the seriousness of his situation," Cahe told Uno radio earlier. "From now on, the main treatment will focus on his addiction to alcohol."

Now, "Maradona's treatment (for alcohol abuse) should last the rest of his life," Cahe added.

Maradona was earlier treated at the Clinica de los Arcos, where officials said the former player's health continued to improve.

The ex-Argentina World Cup captain and Barcelona star was rushed to the clinic complaining of severe abdominal pain, just two days after being discharged from a different clinic where he had undergone two weeks of treatment for illness caused by excessive drinking.

Maradona's career on and off the football pitch has been marred by repeated drug and alcohol abuse. He was hospitalised in 2000 and 2004 for heart attacks provoked by cocaine overdoses.