The promise of $40 million is an eye-popping figure that would push anyone into an unfamiliar situation, and for former international superstar Carlos Tevez, that kind of money was even enough to get him out of what seemed like a perfect fit and over to China. In January, Tevez left his boyhood club of Boca Juniors, where he had returned a hero after a successful European career, and moved to Shanghai to become one of the highest-paid soccer players in the world.
But by all accounts, Tevez is miserable in Shanghai, barely scoring and continually booed by fans. In the latest ignominy, his manager has openly told the media that Tevez is “too overweight” to be picked for the lineup.
“He’s not ready physically. He’s not fit to play,” said Shanghai Shenua’s boss, Wu Jingui.
While even a past-his-prime Tevez should be able to dominate the Chinese League, this news is only shocking in its bluntness. We already knew that Tevez’s adjustment to China was going poorly. Two months into his residency, Tevez still hadn’t tried any Chinese food, and even more embarrassingly, his fans in Shanghai have reportedly given him a nickname that translates to “very homesick boy.”
While his contract still binds him to the club until at least December, it looks like Tevez wants to get back to Argentina as soon as possible. Hopefully he can find some healthy, local food back in Buenos Aires.