Diego Maradona has resigned as coach of Mexican second-division club Dorados for health reasons after nine months in the job.

Maradona took the reigns at Dorados, who are based in the western state of Sinaloa, in September 2018 – amusing skeptics who questioned why the 1986 World Cup champion, would move to a place better known for drug cartels than football.

But he answered his critics by coaching the struggling club to back-to-back finals appearances that brought them tantalisingly close – but not quite – to their dream of winning promotion to the first division.

However, the 58-year-old will now step away as he looks to return to full health.

Maradona “has decided not to continue in his position as manager of Dorados. Under his doctors’ advice, he will be devoting time to his health and will undergo two operations: for his shoulder and his knee,” lawyer Matias Morla wrote on Twitter.

“We thank the entire Dorados family and will continue the dream together in the future,” he added.

“Thank you for everything, Diego!” tweeted the club. “A Dorado forever.”