Sylvester Stallone has confirmed that his friend and fellow actor Arnold Schwarzenegger is "better than ever" after open heart surgery.
The 70-year old Schwarzenegger, who was for a time Governor of California, was brought to hospital this week to have a catheter valve replaced. Complications with the procedure ensued and doctors were obliged to perform emergency surgery on the actor.
"Arnold is a strong man, " Stallone said when asked about his friend's condition, as reported by EWN and TMZ. "He'll be bigger and better than ever."
71-year-old Stallone, who is best known for the Rocky series, said he would "love to" visit Schwarzenegger in hospital "if (he) gets a chance".
Fans have been suggesting online that Arnie should give up cigars. Stallone, also a smoker, has admitted that this it is not something he believes either of them will do.
"Some things you just can't give up, stogies and breathing." he quipped.
