Argentine legend Diego Maradona has insisted that he is not guilty of tax evasion in Italy.

The 52-year-old, who returned to the country after eight years, has been ordered to pay over $50m for not paying taxes between 1984 and 1991 when he played for Napoli.

"I have not killed anyone," he told reporters in Naples on Tuesday. "I had faith in the people that signed my contracts, but I was not in the room.

"I was out training so I do not understand why the Italian justice system is asking for €40m ($50m). I want to thank the people of Naples for treating me like they have – it has made me smile.

"But I have to say – I have come to seek justice. I want to come back to Italy, I want to watch Napoli with my grandson."

Maradona won two Serie A titles with Napoli.