Carlos Tevez admits it feels extra special to be back in the Argentina squad for tonight’s friendly against Croatia after more than three years in the international wilderness.
Tevez has not represented La Albiceleste since the 2011 Copa America but he has been recalled to the national fold by new coach Gerardo Martino and could feature at the Upton Park home of former club West Ham against Croatia.
The Juventus striker revealed he has missed being involved with his country, and as such is determined to make the most of his fresh chance.
“When you are not in the squad, you always miss it, but I am not stupid and I knew earlier was not the right moment to be back,” Tevez said. “I’m very happy to be back. I take it as a prize for this present time in my career. To me, it has more value than in past times. There is a new coach and I hope I can do well.”
Tevez, who spent the 2006/07 season running at West Ham, is battling against Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain for a starting berth up front in London.
Martino is, though, likely to give as many of his players a chance to impress in this match plus next Tuesday’s encounter with Portugal in Manchester as he bids “to find associations and to know the players better.”
The former Barcelona boss said Tevez’s prolific form for Juventus had demanded his inclusion.
“He has probably been one of the three best players in the past two Italian league seasons, so he deserves a place in the squad,” said Martino. Croatia go into the match on the back of a hugely impressive start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, which has seen them pick up maximum points from their three Group H games .
They face a massive test in their next outing, taking on joint-group leaders Italy in Milan on Sunday, but while coach Niko Kovac admits that match is their priority, he insists he is treating the Argentines with the utmost respect.
He said: “We will approach Argentina very seriously, especially since they are bringing their best players.”
