Javier Mascherano does not know whether Carlos Tevez has the option to join a Spanish club.
Barca midfielder says compatriot would shine in Spain
Javier Mascherano does not know whether Carlos Tevez has the option to join a Spanish club but says he would be successful anywhere.
The Manchester City striker's future has become a major talking point since he handed in a transfer request last weekend, which was quickly turned down by the club.
City have made it clear that they expect to keep hold of Tevez but the player maintains that his relationships with 'certain executives' have broken down beyond repair.
Speculation has already started to surface about which clubs might be able to prise the Argentine away from Eastlands, with Barcelona and Real Madrid linked to January bids.
Barcelona midfielder Mascherano, an international team-mate of Tevez who also played alongside him at West Ham, is not sure of the 26-year-old's plans.
But Mascherano, who made an acrimonious departure from Liverpool over the summer, insists Tevez has the ability to thrive in the Primera Liga.
"Carlos is one of the best forwards in the world and he can always be sure of a place at any club," Mascherano told
The People.
"I sincerely don't know if there's an option for him to play in Spain, but he has the quality to be a success in the Spanish League.
Not surprised
"Carlos did not speak about the situation to his friends and team-mates in the national team in advance, I only heard about it through the press.
"But this situation is not a surprise to me. Carlos has spoken before about the fact his sporting life is already decided and that a return to Argentina at some time has always been fixed."
Although homesickness is thought to be a reason for Tevez's unhappiness in Manchester, Mascherano believes he is also hungry for silverware.
Mascherano insists there is no truth in reports that he just wants a more lucrative contract, saying: "I know Carlos and money is never the basis for his decisions.
"He is a winner, and the question that comes over and above everything else for him is always a football one.
"A season without success like last year is not normal for a player of his standard.
"I don't know what Carlos is thinking at the moment, but if he is not happy at City and has demanded his exit then he must have decided to leave.
"I have known Carlos for many years and he's not one for controversy in the dressing room.
"He is a good professional and a dream footballer for the big clubs. He always gives his best when he is on the field."
