President Umaru Yar'Adua of Nigeria has told the BBC in London that his health is improving after treatment in Saudi Arabia and that "as soon as my doctors discharge me, I will return to Nigeria to resume my duties."

The BBC said that Yar'Adua had spoken to the corporation in a telephone interview organized by the president's office.

The interview followed the publication of a newspaper report on Sunday which said he was brain damaged and could no longer perform the functions of his office. This report was followed Monday by rumours sweeping the web suggesting that he had died.

A transcript of Yar'Adua's words, as carried by the BBC on its website, follows:

"At the moment I am undergoing treatment and I'm getting better from the treatment I'm getting. I hope that, uh, very soon there will be tremendous progress, which will allow me to get back home. I wish at this stage to thank all Nigerians for their prayers for my good health and for their prayers for the nation. [apparent break in recording]

"As soon as my doctors discharge me, I will return to Nigeria to resume my duties. I would also like to use this opportunity to wish our team, the Super Eagles, success in our Nations Cup... matches in Angola."

Hear Yar'Adua, as recorded by the BBC: Nigeria's leader breaks silence