Carlos Tevez has refuted reports that he is currently the highest-paid footballer in the world after reportedly signing with Chinese Super League club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC for a salary of almost $800,000 per week.

Speaking during his recent Shanghai Shenhua unveiling, the 32-year-old former Manchester United, Manchester City, and Juventus striker told reporters that his salary with the Chinese squad is not "as high as the legends." He refrained from disclosing the real amount, however, citing his respect for his teammates as the main reason.

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"After my last game I didn't mention anything to the local media about my salary in China," Tevez said, according to the South China Morning Post. 

"Salary matters shouldn't be told to everyone, it's a matter of respect for my teammates," he added. "My salary isn't as high as the legends, but in order to respect my teammates I won't tell you how much."

Tevez thanked his Chinese supporters for the grand welcome. He was accompanied by an entourage of 19 people which includes his family and staff, Goal reported.

Tevez was signed by Shanghai Shenhua on Dec. 29 from his boyhood club Boca Juniors for an undisclosed transfer fee. There are speculations that he was offered a $41 million annual wage, making him the world's best-paid footballer player.

Shenhua chairman Wu Xiaohui has also stated that reports about the Argentinian's salary is "not accurate" and the team would not have signed him if CSL top goalscorer Demba Ba had not broken his leg last summer.

"Reasonable and rational investment is the basic management guideline and requirement. This year we did more than last year because Demba Ba got seriously injured, otherwise we might not have bought a foreign player at all," Wu said.

Tevez played for Manchester United from 2007 to 2009 before transferring to the club's cross-city rivals Manchester City in the summer of 2009. He stayed at the Etihad for four seasons before moving to Italy with Juventus in 2013.

TagsChinese Super League, Chinese Super League rumors, Chinese Super League rumors 2017, Carlos Tevez, Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC