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Diego Maradona: Football legend claims ex-wife Claudia Villafane is a 'thief' who stole £6m from him and should go to jail Diego Maradona: Football legend claims ex-wife Claudia Villafane is a 'thief' who stole £6m from him and should go to jail
(about 3 hours later)
They met in the slums of Buenos Aires and became childhood sweethearts, long before fame and fortune, and then infamy and infidelity, ruined their marriage. But for Diego Maradona and his former wife, Claudia Villafane, it looks like there will be no extra time after the footballing superstar accused his ex-wife of stealing £6m from his bank accounts.They met in the slums of Buenos Aires and became childhood sweethearts, long before fame and fortune, and then infamy and infidelity, ruined their marriage. But for Diego Maradona and his former wife, Claudia Villafane, it looks like there will be no extra time after the footballing superstar accused his ex-wife of stealing £6m from his bank accounts.
Maradona has had a troubled time since retiring from the sport in 1997. Drug and alcohol abuse, children born after extramarital affairs and run-ins with tax authorities have marred what was the ultimate rags-to-riches tale.Maradona has had a troubled time since retiring from the sport in 1997. Drug and alcohol abuse, children born after extramarital affairs and run-ins with tax authorities have marred what was the ultimate rags-to-riches tale.
In the latest twist in an increasingly bizarre life story, the man whom England fans remember best for his so-called “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final has publicly accused his ex-wife of stealing from him.In the latest twist in an increasingly bizarre life story, the man whom England fans remember best for his so-called “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final has publicly accused his ex-wife of stealing from him.
Speaking on television in Argentina, where he is still revered for captaining the country to the 1986 win, Maradona called his ex-wife a “thief”. Interviewed on Canal America television, he said: “If she did what we fear she did, unfortunately she will have to go to jail.”Speaking on television in Argentina, where he is still revered for captaining the country to the 1986 win, Maradona called his ex-wife a “thief”. Interviewed on Canal America television, he said: “If she did what we fear she did, unfortunately she will have to go to jail.”
The question of the missing millions has been debated in Argentina for more than a week. Last week, local media it reported that Ms Villafane had described Maradona as a fraud, claiming that he embezzled the money that was missing from his accounts. Maradona was not present in the Buenos Aires court where Ms Villafane made the allegations, but he responded by saying: “All I want is my money. I did not denounce anybody when I was robbed and I will not do so now. All I want is my money. I will not put forward any names as I have never done that. However, if they do not give me back my money, they will be sorry.”The question of the missing millions has been debated in Argentina for more than a week. Last week, local media it reported that Ms Villafane had described Maradona as a fraud, claiming that he embezzled the money that was missing from his accounts. Maradona was not present in the Buenos Aires court where Ms Villafane made the allegations, but he responded by saying: “All I want is my money. I did not denounce anybody when I was robbed and I will not do so now. All I want is my money. I will not put forward any names as I have never done that. However, if they do not give me back my money, they will be sorry.”
The couple’s two daughters, Gianinna, 26, and 28-year-old Dalma, both posted messages on Twitter in support of their mother.The couple’s two daughters, Gianinna, 26, and 28-year-old Dalma, both posted messages on Twitter in support of their mother.
No escuche a mi papa pero para todos los que preguntan, sigo pensando igual que antes! Mi mama no robo y lo demostrara en la justicia!No escuche a mi papa pero para todos los que preguntan, sigo pensando igual que antes! Mi mama no robo y lo demostrara en la justicia!
The latest episode in the 54-year-old footballer’s life is not his first brush with financial difficulties. After playing for clubs in Argentina, Maradona moved first to Barcelona in 1982 before being transferred to Napoli in 1984 – both for world-record fees.The latest episode in the 54-year-old footballer’s life is not his first brush with financial difficulties. After playing for clubs in Argentina, Maradona moved first to Barcelona in 1982 before being transferred to Napoli in 1984 – both for world-record fees.
He stayed in Naples for seven years, where, according to Italian investigators, he ran up an unpaid tax bill of €37m (£25.9m).He stayed in Naples for seven years, where, according to Italian investigators, he ran up an unpaid tax bill of €37m (£25.9m).
Maradona and Ms Villafane were married in 1984 before divorcing 20 years later. During the separation proceedings, Maradona admitted to fathering a child – the Italian footballer Diego Sinagra.Maradona and Ms Villafane were married in 1984 before divorcing 20 years later. During the separation proceedings, Maradona admitted to fathering a child – the Italian footballer Diego Sinagra.
 
The star has also battled drug addiction, dating back to when he played in Spain. In 2004 he had a heart attack after overdosing on cocaine and spent five days on a respirator. Fans gathered outside the hospital where he was being treated in the Argentinian hospital, fearing the worst.The star has also battled drug addiction, dating back to when he played in Spain. In 2004 he had a heart attack after overdosing on cocaine and spent five days on a respirator. Fans gathered outside the hospital where he was being treated in the Argentinian hospital, fearing the worst.
He has since said he is drug-free and that he wants to help rid Fifa of the “mafia” that caused the most recent corruption scandal to rock international football’s governing body.He has since said he is drug-free and that he wants to help rid Fifa of the “mafia” that caused the most recent corruption scandal to rock international football’s governing body.
Despite their divorce, Maradona and Ms Villafane had remained close, with the star previously describing his former wife as the “love of my life”. They were often seen together and travelled with each other to Germany for the 2006 World Cup.Despite their divorce, Maradona and Ms Villafane had remained close, with the star previously describing his former wife as the “love of my life”. They were often seen together and travelled with each other to Germany for the 2006 World Cup.