Tevez may start trend by staying in South America
ichelle Kaufman
Carlos Tevez will not go to Europe after all, and that is great news for the future of professional soccer in South America.
The 20-year-old Argentine Olympic star, regarded as one of South America's most exciting young players, was expected to leave Boca Juniors for a Spanish, Italian or English club. Scouts were drooling in Athens, and most of the best players around the world usually wind up in Europe. Instead, Tevez chose to play for Corinthians in Brazil after the club came up with an $18 million transfer fee, the highest in the history of Brazilian soccer.
Corinthians was able to pull off the deal with the help of a London-based group of investors. The investment seems like a wise one. Tevez was the leading scorer at the Athens Olympics, with eight goals, as Argentina won its first gold medal in the sport. He has become a regular on the national team, scored in the Copa America quarterfinal against Peru and led Boca to the Libertadores Cup title in 2003 and the runner-up spot this season.
Tevez is also a crowd favorite. He is extremely humble, even refusing to get plastic surgery to cover a large, unsightly burn scar along his neck and face from a childhood accident.
His decision not to go overseas - and Corinthians' financial commitment - could influence other young South American players to spurn Europe. At the very least, it will make them consider staying put.
haizzzzzzzz then show some S.America futbol here in malaysia then..!!!