Maradona restrained

The troubled life of Diego Maradona took an extraordinary turn when he was placed in a straitjacket after attacking staff at the Buenos Aires psychiatric hospital where he is being treated.

The Argentine great is said to have gone into "an uncontrollable attack of fury" on hospital staff before he was sedated and tied to his bed.

Earlier this week Maradona's personal doctor warned his latest treatment was the "last chance" to save his life after his recent hospitalisation where he was placed on a life support machine for breathing problems.

Maradona's mental illness is now being directly linked to his battles against cocaine addiction. It is not clear if he is being held against his will by court order or at the request of his family.

"Maradona is not deprived of his liberty, but neither can he leave the clinic," said his lawyer.