Carlos Tevez dubs his $1.2m-a-week stint in China a 'holiday for seven months'

Carlos Tevez shows his Boca Juniors jersey, during his presentation as a new member of the team in Cardales, Argentina. Photo / AP

Carlos Tevez was the highest paid player in the world on £650,000 a week at Shanghai Shenua but labelled his time in China a 'holiday'.

The former Manchester United and City striker was roundly criticised for being overweight and disinterested during his time in the Far East.

And it seems those criticisms were well founded, with Tevez admitting he didn't take his time in the Chinese Super League seriously.

He told Argentine TV: "It's fine because I was on holiday for seven months."

And after being on an annual salary of £34million, the striker decided he had made enough money to return to his boyhood club Boca Juniors.

He even admitted: "When I landed in China, I wanted to return to Boca.

"It's fine for the Shanghai coach and president to criticise me, I didn't know what I was doing there."

Shanghai Shenua only gleaned four goals in 20 appearances from their hefty outlay and Tevez ruffled feathers by claiming the players in the league were technically poor and the country might take 50 years to catch up.

The 33-year-old's time in China was described by fellow Argentina legend Diego Maradona as Tevez filling 'his Santa sack with dollars before returning to Boca'.

It is Tevez's third stint at the club where he has made over 150 appearances and the loyal fanbase will hope his mind and body are no longer on holiday.

Tevez quotes on China

"I'm content and happy here [in China]. I get to enjoy my family and live peacefully."

"I have gained in terms of family life but not from a football standpoint."

"In South America and Europe, players learn to play football when they're kids, but not here. 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."

"It's fine because I was on holiday for seven months."