Maradona says he’s been persecuted by Italian tax man

(see related) (ANSA) – Rome, October 18 – Former Argentine soccer star Diego Maradona said Friday that he is being persecuted by Italian tax authorities, which have slapped him with an outstanding tax bill of 39 million euros.

“I am now being persecuted in the land of taxes,” Maradona told ANSA after he was contacted about the Equitalia tax-agency bill.

“I gave only love to people, and sports performances without ever hurting anyone, but now I must endure malice,” he said.