"He is in great spirits and enjoying being back home," Ali's family spokesman Bob Gunnell said on Wednesday, adding that the legendary boxer was looking forward to celebrating his 73rd birthday. It was earlier thought that Ali had a mild case of pneumonia, but doctors ultimately diagnosed him with a severe urinary tract infection.

Ali was admitted to an undisclosed hospital on December 20. He has homes in Paradise Valley, Arizona; Berrien Springs, Michigan; and in Louisville. Gunnell did not say which home the boxing great had returned to.

"The Ali family greatly appreciates the outpouring of support and continued well wishes. They also want to thank the team of doctors and nurses for their exceptional care," Gunnell said.

Ali, who is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, is hardly seen in public after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease three years after his retirement.

He quit the sport in 1981 with 56 career wins and six defeats.

shs/msh (AP, Reuters, AFP)