Argie Largey: Maradona's New Look

He used to be praised for having the finest feet and most perfect balance in world football.

But now sporting legend Maradona is almost as round as the ball he used to treat with such love.

The Argentine icon has grown steadily since his fall from the footballing pinnacle after testing positive for drugs at the 1994 World Cup.

In May last year concerns over his health rose dramatically after he was admitted to hospital twice within a few weeks.

The 1986 World Cup winner was treated for severe and heart and lung problems, which his family insisted were not related to drugs.

But any worries the 44-year-old might have had over his health appeared to have been long forgotten as he bounded into a Greek Airport.

He landed in Athens on a surprise trip and paid tribute to the country's unexpected success at last year's Euro 2004 football tournament.

Also new to his look were a stereotypical-looking bandito moustache trailing down to his chin and longer hair.

He had cut short his drug rehabilitation in Cuba, part of a battle to beat a four-year cocaine addiction, to fly to Athens.