Tevez takes aim at Chinese players
Carlos Tevez has criticized the standard of Chinese soccer players, claiming the country will be unable to match the sport's leading nations "even in 50 years".
The Argentine striker, who joined Shanghai Shenhua in January from Boca Juniors in his homeland, made the comments in an interview broadcast on French television on Thursday after a difficult nine months in the Chinese Super League.
Tevez reportedly became the highest-paid player in the world when he signed for Shenhua, earning about $750,000 per week.
Yet the 33-year-old former Juventus, Manchester City and Manchester United striker, who cost a reported $87 million, has played only 13 games and scored three goals for Shenhua.
"In South America and Europe, players learn to play football when they're kids, but not here," Tevez said.
"So, technically they are not very good.
"Their football is very different. The fans treat it very differently as well. And I don't think they are going to get to the same heights, not even in 50 years."
Tevez has suffered an injury-hit campaign that has seen him constantly linked with a move back to Argentina.
Shanghai recently saw former Uruguay, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Gus Poyet quit as coach with the club in 12th position in the standings, while Tevez was criticized for his poor physical condition by Poyet's replacement, Wu Jingui.
Shenhua went into the season with high expectations after finishing third last year under Spanish manager Gregorio Manzano, but the club has lacked consistency throughout the campaign.
Agence France-presse
(China Daily 09/23/2017 page12)
