The world's former highest-paid player, Carlos Tevez, has revealed the real reason why he decided to walk away from his contract in China.

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The former Manchester City and Manchester United striker quit Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua, who were reportedly paying him £634 000 (R11.2 million) a week, in order to make Argentina's 2018 FIFA World Cup squad.

Tevez decided to rejoin his boyhood club Boca Juniors a year before the showpiece in Russia, a move that evidently backfired.

"I expected to be in the World Cup," the former West Ham United forward said, as quoted by the Daily Mirror.

"I had returned to Boca from China because of that, but then I had a muscular injury, and I understood I would not succeed.

"I feel that age is catching up with me. Recovery is getting slower and slower. Not everyone can go to the World Cup, right? Look at Mauro Icardi."

Although he was snubbed a place in the Albiceleste's World Cup squad, Tevez expects Lionel Messi to lead his nation to glory in Russia.

"I am sure that this is Messi's World Cup," he added

"He has a lot of anger in his body, even if he does not show it. I do not think this will be his last tournament, but I expect a great World Cup.

"Argentina is one of the favourites. Only Germany and Brazil are at our level."

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Do you agree with Tevez's bold prediction? Have your say in the comments section below.