HAVANA, JANUARY 19: A shaky Maradona arrived in Cuba to be treated for his cocaine habit, telling waiting journalists that he was happy to be a rebel.En route to Havana on a brief stop over at Holquin on Tuesday, the east of the country, Maradona, showing off a large tattoo on his right arm depicting Cuban revolutionary hero Che Guevara, declared in a slurring voice: ``I'm a rebel and I'm thrilled about it.''The football giant, sporting dark glasses and bermuda shorts, added: ``I hope that my heart will allow me to put on an exhibition match to say thank you to the people of Cuba.''The 39-year-old Maradona was joined on the flight from Buenos Aires on Monday by his wife Claudia Villafane, his mother Dona Tota and business manager, Guillermo Coppola.Argentina's sportsman of the century was taken to a group of waiting Cuban doctors which included Dr Barnabe Ordaz, director of Havana's psychiatric hospital.On his arrival, one Argentine tourist cried out: ``You are a bad example for the young wholook up to you.''An irritated Maradona retorted: ``I feel sorry for you,'' before continuing on his slow way. He then mumbled that he was going to personally thank Cuban president Fidel Castro, with whom he has good relations, for his understanding, adding that it was Castro who had organised the fine details of his stay in Cuba. ``It's nothing new, everyone knows how big his man's heart is,'' Maradona told local agency Prensa Latina.The troubled star then climbed into a black limousine to take him to the city's hospital, followed by an ambulance. Maradona will first undergo a medical, before embarking on a detoxification programme in a specialist clinic.According to local medical sources, a case like Maradona's will mean at least three months in-patient care. Maradona was admitted to a Uruguayan clinic a fortnight ago after a cocaine overdose. His doctors revealed that he had a severe heart condition and that his life had been in danger.
