Diego Maradona told to fight the flab with Argentina's World Cup chances looking slim
Diego Maradona has been told to fight the flab after being sent on a weight loss programme in Italy.
The larger than life Argentina legend is under huge pressure with his side struggling to qualify for next summer's World Cup.
Larger than life: Argentine legend Diego Maradona has started to pile on the pounds again since taking over as national team coach
Maradona has piled on the pounds during recent months following Argentina's disastrous run of form, leaving top officials desperate to chew the fat with their under-fire manager.
The 48-year-old is no stranger to weight problems after being forced to have his stomach stapled in 2005 following his staggering rise to 18 stone.
The South Americans could be forced to go through into a play-off for a place in South Africa, leaving Maradona's position under threat.
Maradona has fought a weight problem throughout his adult life - undergoing a stomach stapling operation in March 2005 that saw his weight plummet from a hefty 18 stone (left) almost overnight
And with the stress levels continuing to rise, Maradona's personal doctor, Alfredo Cahe, says the former World Cup winning captain must lose the bulge for the sake of his long-term health.
'Diego has gone to a spa in Italy where he will undergo programmes for diet and exercise,' said Cahe.
'This was a conscious decison, which was taken 20 days ago just before the last round of World Cup qualifying matches.'
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