Tevez strikes it rich as China move makes him world’s best paid player
Carlos Tevez has joined Chinese Super League side Shanghai Greenland Shenhua in a deal which will reportedly make him the highest paid player in the world.
The former Manchester United and Manchester City striker has signed a two-year contract and, although no financial details were announced in the move from Boca Juniors, reports suggest he is set to earn £615,000-a-week.
The 32-year-old is the latest high-profile capture by a Chinese club after Shanghai SIPG last week signed Brazil midfielder Oscar from Chelsea for a fee of around £52m.
A statement on Shenhua’s official website read: “Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC reached a transfer agreement with Argentina Club Atletico Boca Juniors. Carlos Alberto Tevez has officially joined Shanghai Shenhua.”
Tevez will team up with former Newcastle strikers Demba Ba and Obafemi Martins at Shanghai Greenland Shenhua while he will be managed by Gus Poyet, formerly of Tottenham and Chelsea.
The Argentina international joins a growing list of bigname players to head to China, which includes Graziano Pelle, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Jackson Martinez and Hulk.
Tevez began his seven-year stint in England at West Ham following a controversial move, alongside international team-mate Javier Mascherano, from Corinthians in 2006.
He helped the Hammers avoid relegation before moving to Manchester United, where he won the Champions League, two Premier League titles and the League Cup.
After two seasons at Old Trafford he switched allegiances to Manchester City in 2009 and helped to end the club’s 35-year wait for a trophy when claiming the FA Cup in 2011.
Tevez also played a pivotal role in securing the Premier League title for City from under the noses of their neighbours on a dramatic final day of the 2011-12 season.
A move to Juventus followed, where he won successive Serie A crowns in 2014 and 2015, and last year he helped his hometown club Boca Juniors claim the Argentine Primera Division title.
A statement on Boca’s official website read: “Club Atletico Boca Juniors reached an agreement with Shanghai Greenland Shenhua of China for the transfer of Carlos Tevez, respecting the player’s willingness to continue his football career in the Asian country.
“Good luck Carlitos! You will always be in our hearts.”