The 17-year old Maradona appeared at a news conference Thursday, claiming he is not troubled by the expectations that come with his last name.

"I am calm," Maradona said. "My surname is not a burden for me. It might be for others, but not for me."

The younger Maradona reportedly was considering quitting soccer due to the constant media attention he received. His father is Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title and is one of the biggest stars in soccer history.

Maradona Jr. is a midfielder who had a trial with Scottish Premier League club Dunfermline earlier this summer. he accepted Genoa's offer following the financial crisis that hit Napoli. Last month, the Naples team was declared bankrupt by an Italian court, one week after being thrown out of Serie B due to a lack of financial guarantees.

"It is an honor for me to be here," Maradona Jr. said. "I hope I can repay the trust this club has placed in me."

The teenager said he is in no hurry to play with the big boys in Serie A.

"I am here to play a good season with the youth team and that is my primary aim," he said. "I start this adventure with my feet firmly on the ground, then if there is a possibility to play for the first team, we will see."

The elder Maradona, 43, has battled drug problems in recent years.

In May, was hospitalized in Argentina with what was said to be severe cardiac and pulmonary problems. He was transferred to a clinic specializing in drug rehabilitation but had to be sedated to prevent him from leaving.