Carlos Tevez has acknowledged it feels extra special to be back in the Argentina squad for Wednesday's friendly against Croatia after more than three years in the international wilderness.
Tevez has not represented his country since the 2011 Copa America but has been recalled to the national fold by new coach Gerardo Martino and could feature at his former club West Ham United's Upton Park ground as they take on Croatia.
The Juventus striker revealed he has missed not 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 told the Ole newspaper.
“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 at West Ham, is fighting against Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain for a starting spot
Martino is, though, likely to give as many of his players a chance to impress in this match and in next Tuesday’s encounter with Portugal in Manchester as he bids “to find associations and to know the players better.”
“We are in a period of searching, not of confirmations,” the former Barcelona coach said.
Of Tevez he said: “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.”
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