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Diego Maradona hit with $53 million tax citation in Italy

Italy Soccer Maradona

Former Argentine’s soccer star Diego Armando Maradona adjusts his pants during a press conference in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

AP

Italian authorities have told Diego Maradona they will freeze his assets in Italy if he doesn’t pay the €39 million ($53.3 million) in back taxes he owes from his time at Napoli from 1984-1991.

Italian agents notified the Argentine of their request in his hotel room in Rome, where he was staying to watch the Roma vs. Napoli match as well as film a video series about his life.

Apparently this isn’t the first time he’s had run-ins with the Italian authorities. According to reports he’s had two Rolex watches and a diamond earring in previous visits to the country.

Oh, and because we can never get enough of The Cosmic Kite, he told reporters before the match that “When Benitez leaves I would like to take over at Napoli” and declaring “there are people who are afraid of me. That’s why I’m not coaching.”

Whatever you say, Diego.