Argentines have mixed reaction as Tevez agrees to join China club Shanghai Shenhua

Record ID: 162627

  • Title: Argentines have mixed reaction as Tevez agrees to join China club Shanghai Shenhua
  • Date: 29th December 2016
  • Summary: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (DECEMBER 29, 2016) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF LA BOMBENERA STADIUM OF BOCA JUNIORS CLUB FACE OF SOCCER STAR, CARLOS TEVEZ, PAINTED ON APACHE INDIAN, IN REFERENCE TO HIS NICKNAME, "APACHE" PAINTED ON STADIUM INSIGNIA FOR BOCA JUNIORS CLUB VARIOUS OF FANS TAKING PICTURE NEXT TO STATUE OF SOCCER STAR, CARLOS TEVEZ (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINE SOCCER FAN, RICARDO RIOS, SAYING: "It's a shame because we are left without an important player for Boca, and all of Argentina." VARIOUS OF STATUE ALONGSIDE FANS (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) FAN OF BOCA JUNIORS, ALEXIS FERNANDEZ, SAYING: "He didn't have to go. He's even a Boca fan and he left without saying anything. But well, he made his decision."
  • Embargoed: 13th January 2017 19:20
  • Keywords: Carlos Tevez Boca Juniors Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League
  • Location: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / INTERNET
  • City: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / INTERNET
  • Country: Argentina
  • Topics: Soccer,Sport
  • Reuters ID: LVA0015EXSOJR
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Argentines took in stride Thursday (December 29) the announcement that Carlos Tevez had become the latest high-profile international player to join the Chinese Super League after Shanghai Shenhua confirmed the signing of the Argentine striker from his boyhood club, Boca Juniors.
    Although no financial details of the deal were released, media reports have suggested that the Chinese club paid 84 million euros ($87.65 million) for Tevez, who returned to Argentina last year after spells in England and Italy.
    "It's a shame because we are left without an important player for Boca, and all of Argentina," said fan Ricardo Rios.
    "He didn't have to go. He's even a Boca fan and he left without saying anything. But well, he made his decision," said another fan, Alexis Fernandez.
    "He's leaving because it's a better economic choice for him and his family. He will continue to be an idol for Boca, even though he's leaving right now. It's all good," said Jonatan Albornoz.
    The hefty price tag will make Tevez the world's sixth most expensive player, behind Paul Pogba, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Neymar, according to the German-based soccer information website transfermarkt.com.
    "Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC reached a transfer agreement with Argentina Club Atletico Boca Juniors. Carlos Alberto Tevez is officially joined Shanghai Shenhua," the club said in a statement on its website.
    Tevez is also in line to become the sport's highest paid player, with the striker reportedly earning around $753,000 per week on a two-year contract with Shenhua.
    Argentines say they knew the decision was based on economics, and hope that Tevez will play at home again at some point.
    "And well, he's leaving for the difference in money, but in Boca, we love him. If he has to go, let him go. But let's hope he comes back and ends with Boca," said fan Sergio Boghanoff.
    The 32-year-old is the second big-money arrival for China's biggest city in less than a week, after Brazilian midfielder Oscar joined local rivals Shanghai SIPG from Chelsea in a deal believed to be worth 60 million euros ($62.62 million).
    Graziano Pelle, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Jackson Martinez are all recent arrivals in China. Andre Villas-Boas is also on a lucrative contract since he replaced former England boss Sven Goran-Eriksson as manager of Shanghai SIPG.
    Tevez, who played for West Ham United, Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus during a decade in Europe, after leaving Boca for Brazil's Corinthians in 2005, ended his second spell with the Argentine club on a high.
    Having helped the club win the league title last year, Tevez starred in a 4-2 win over arch-rivals River Plate in the 'superclasico' earlier this month, a victory that lifted Boca into first place in the championship.
    In Shanghai, Tevez will team up with other high-profile internationals, including Senegalese striker Demba Ba, Nigerian forward Obafemi Martins and Colombian midfielder Fredy Guarin.
    Despite a highly successful club career, Tevez has failed to light up the international stage, having scored 13 goals in 76 appearances for Argentina. He did, however, play a pivotal role in the country winning the gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
    Boca Juniors offered Tevez their best wishes in a statement announcing his departure, which included the message: "Good luck Carlitos. You will always be in our hearts."
    Shanghai Shenhua, who appointed Gus Poyet as manager last month, finished fourth in the 2016 Chinese Super League, which ran from March to the end of October, 16 points behind champions Guangzhou Evergrande.
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