Italy begins process to freeze Maradona's assets in country over 33-mln-pound debt

Italian tax officials have informed Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona that his assets will be frozen to help repay 33 million pounds of debt.

According to Sky News, Equitalia, Italy's tax collection agency, served Maradona the legal papers while he was staying at a hotel in Milan.

Maradona's debt stems from his time at Italian club Napoli when he guided the team to its only two Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, the report said.

He is best remembered in the UK for scoring the controversial 'Hand of God' goal in Argentina's 2-1 World Cup win over England in 1986, the report added.

Previously Maradona has refused to pay the debt, claiming it was the club's responsibility, the report further said.

Italian officials have used a variety of unconventional tactics to get the money back, according to the report.

These have included seizing Rolex watches at public events and confiscating expensive earrings while he attended a weight loss clinic, the report mentioned.