Former Argentina forward Diego Maradona has firmly denied suggestions from the Italian tax authorities that he owes the government money.

It has been claimed that the 52-year-old still owes £26m from his seven-year spell in Napoli, but he has denied wrongdoing.

"They haven't got evidence to come after me or to persecute me. I'm not a tax evader. I never have been because I only played soccer," he told Corriere.it.

"I appeal to the politicians. I didn't steal anything. If I did things wrong, it was about other stuff. I want to return to Naples freely.

"I cannot freely return to Naples with peace of mind and this is not right. They are robbing me of the chance to see again the people of Naples, who I love."

Maradona also played for Barcelona during an illustrious career.