China

Shanghai Shenhua official denies Tevez banishment claims

Shanghai Shenhua official has denied the speculation that star striker Carlos Tevez was left out of the squad.

“Tevez has never been told that he has no place in the first team, and the claim that he refused to answer clubs’ calls [to play with reserve team] is not true,” press officer Ma Yue said in a statement, as quoted by Goal.

“Quite the contrary, head coach Wu Jingui and team leader Mao Yijun have shown great concern for him and the communication between them is very smooth.

“We are not making excuses for Tevez, the club just want to clarify that he hasn’t abandoned himself like some foreign media have claimed.”

Shenhua have struggled in the Chinese Super League so far this season and are languishing in 11th place. The team replaced former coach Gus Poyet by caretaker Wu until the end of this season.