Shanghai drop £615,000-a-week Carlos Tevez for being too fat

New Shanghai Shenhua coach Wu Jingui says Carlos Tevez is “overweight” and says he will not pick the striker until he gets into shape.

The Argentine moved to the Chinese Super League in December from Boca Juniors and is reportedly the world’s best-paid player on a contract worth around £615,000-a-week.

Tevez though, who played for Manchester United and Manchester City, has failed to impress in Asia and has scored just twice in 14 appearances.

The 33-year-old did pick up a leg problem in April which sidelined him for over a month, but new coach Jingui, who replaced Gus Poyet in September, says Tevez will not be picked on reputation.

“He will be informed of my tactical plans but I won’t pick him right now. He’s not ready physically. He’s not fit to play,” Wu said.

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“He is overweight, along with [Fredy] Guarin. I have to take responsibility for the team and the players as well. If you are unable to do your utmost to play, there’s no point in picking you.

“I have coached lots of big stars, and my players are never picked on reputation.”