TV network says Fidel Castro wrote letter to soccer star to quash death rumors

July 11, 2014 - FILE photo of Cuba's Fidel Castro at a meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, in Havana, Cuba. Castro Monday sent soccer legend Diego Maradona a letter written to quash rumors of the Cuban leader's death, state-run television network Telesur reported. It was the first reported word from Castro in nearly three months.

Argentina's soccer legend Diego Armando Maradona talks to journalist at the airport on his way to catch a departing plane in Havana, Cuba, Monday, Jan. 12, 2015. Fidel Castro on Monday sent Maradona a letter written to quash rumors of the Cuban leader's death, state-run television network Telesur reported. It was the first reported word from Castro in nearly three months. The network showed photos of Maradona with the letter signed by Castro, 88. Telesur revealed nothing about the contents of the letter, but said it rebutted rumors he had died. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (The Associated Press)

HAVANA – Fidel Castro on Monday sent soccer legend Diego Maradona a letter written to quash rumors of the Cuban leader's death, state-run television network Telesur reported. It was the first reported word from Castro in nearly three months.

The network funded by Venezuela, Cuba and other allied government showed photos of Maradona with the letter signed by Castro, 88. Telesur revealed nothing about the contents of the letter, but said it rebutted rumors he had died.

Telesur is broadcast on state television in Cuba, where Maradona has been filming episodes of a television show he hosts.

No images were shown of Castro, who has not appeared in public for more than a year, prompting widespread speculation about his health, and even recent rumors of his death on social media.

A serious illness forced Castro to step down from duties as president in 2006, handing over leadership to his younger brother Raul.

The new wave of speculation about Fidel Castro's health was prompted in part by his failure to comment after the U.S. and Cuba declared on Dec. 17 that they would move to restore full diplomatic relations broken a half century ago.

The most recent official photographs of Castro came out of a private meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Aug. 21. He was also photographed with the Chinese and Russian presidents in July. Castro was last heard from on Oct. 18, when he published an editorial about Ebola.