Argentine football legend Diego Maradona left the hospital on Wednesday, eight days after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain. 

The 60-year-old left the Olivos clinic in Buenos Aires by ambulance shortly after his doctor Leopoldo Luque told reporters he could go home. 

Maradona is expected to continue his rehabilitation in the north of Buenos Aires, near his daughter Giannina's home. 

"Diego has gone through perhaps the hardest time of his life," his lawyer Matias Morla said Wednesday, adding that it was a "miracle" that the clot "which could have taken his life, was detected." 

Maradona has been admitted to hospital three times in the last 20 years for serious health issues – two of which were potentially fatal – due to his drug and alcohol addictions. 

Now free of drugs, the World Cup-winning former Argentine captain remains dependent on alcohol. 

Alongside Brazil's Pele, who turned 80 last month, Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. 

(With input from agencies)