Diego Maradona To Sue Konami

[Update] Konami has released a statement in response to Maradona's claim. As reported by Kotaku, the Japanese company has said Maradona's likeness has been used properly.

"At this time, there have been news that in Winning Eleven 2017 (international title: PES 2017 Pro Evolution Soccer) there is one player that is being used without permission; however, our company is using [this player] appropriately, with the basis of the license within the contract."

[Original story] Legendary ex-footballer Diego Maradona has said he's suing PES 2017 publisher Konami for using his likeness without his permission.

In a post on his official Facebook page, the ex-Argentina and Barcelona star--considered by many to be the greatest footballer ever--said he "heard yesterday that the Japanese company Konami uses my image for its game PES 2017."

"My lawyer Matias Morla will initiate the corresponding legal actions," the statement continues, before concluding, "I hope this is not another scam."

Maradona's image is used in PES 2017's myClub mode, in which players work to build a dream team of both current and ex-pros. GameSpot has contacted Konami for a statement.

As a footballer, Maradona was considered the player of his generation, with a professional career spanning 21 years from 1976 to 1997. He twice broke the world record transfer fee, won countless trophies, and was deemed FIFA's Player of the Century in 2000.

He later went on to manage his home country in the 2010 World Cup, though he could not guide a strong Argentina team past the quarter-finals.

In other PES 2017 news, Data Pack 3.0 was recently released, introducing visual enhancements for over 100 players, eight classic Borussia Dortmund kits, a bunch of new boot designs, additional pitch-side hoardings, and the new Adidas ball that will be used in the 2016/2017 Champions League final.

We enjoyed the alternative ball-kicking game here at GameSpot; critic Nathan Ditum awarded it an 8/10. For more, check out our full PES 2017 review.