Argentina legend Diego Maradona will not stay on as head coach of Mexican second division club Dorados de Sinaloa, the 58-year-old's lawyer confirmed on Thursday.
The 1986 World Cup winner guided Dorados to two consecutive league finals in the two seasons he was in charge, but has chosen to step aside to focus on his health.
"Diego Maradona has decided not to continue as Dorados head coach," Maradona's lawyer Matias Morla wrote on Twitter. "After medical advice, he'll dedicate time to his health and undergo two operations: on his shoulder and knee. Thankful to all the Dorados family and we will continue the dream in the future."
Maradona made headlines for his bizarre behavior in appearances at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and his return to Sinaloa at the start of the year was delayed when internal bleeding in his stomach was discovered during routine examinations.
When he did return to Mexico, Dorados' form picked up and the team made the final of the Ascenso MX Clausura, before losing to newly promoted Atletico San Luis over two legs.
"Diego!" Wrote Dorados president Antonio Nunez. "The doors at Dorados will always be open for you. Your health comes first; your home is here and will be here."
The news of Maradona being appointed Dorados de Sinaloa head coach last Sept. 6 was something of a shock and split opinion.
"Together we surprised the world," read a tweet from Dorados. "We showed that football is passion and heart."