Diego Maradona returns to Italy to resolve £32m tax dispute

Diego Maradona has returned to Naples in an attempt to resolve a dispute with the Italian tax authorities, according to the Guardian.

The former Napoli star, who led the team to their only Serie A championships in 1986/87 and 1989/90 seasons, made a rare trip back to Italy to explain his tax situation to the Italian president. In an effort to clear his name of charges of tax evasion, the Argentine claimed to have been a victim of 'swindlers'.

Maradona is currently an ambassador for sport in Dubai, where he claimed in a press conference that he is "not afraid of returning to Italy".

But it was here in Italy, during his time with Napoli that his personal problems began. Maradona's drug use is thought to have continued, and he was fined by the club for his failure to attend practices.

Despite these past problems, Maradona made the trip back to the country where his career flourished, insisting he is the victim of all these allegations and not the criminal.

"I've never stolen anything from Italy or Italians", he said. Contrary to what Diego's lawyer said, the collection agency is claiming that the case against Maradona had not been annuled. He allegedly owes close to £32m (€37m) to the Italian tax man, including a significant amount of late upaid interest on previous tax bills.

But it seems that the Italians are not too unhappy with the Argentina legend, as dozens turned up at the airport when he arrived, and outside his hotel to offer support. 

Regardless of the support, Maradona still has a case to answer in court.

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