Tevez confirms he chose Boca Juniors over Atletico, Real Madrid

Despite receiving interest from top European teams, the desire to return home was too great in the end for Carlos Tevez.

The forward made the surprising decision to return to South America and sign with Boca Juniors after a successful stint at Juventus where he helped the Italian outfit reach the Champions League final.

The former Manchester City and West Ham forward admitted he attracted interest from both Madrid teams, especially Atletico, before ultimately deciding to return to the club he began his professional career with in 2001.

"(Simeone) called me and I was excited about the idea," Tevez told Marca, as translated by ESPNFC. "Playing in Spain is something that is pending in my career, but I could not say no to Boca. Last year the only offer I had in Spain was from Atletico, but before that (Real) Madrid expressed interest in me."

Tevez, who helped Boca capture its 25th Primera Division championship, added that there isn't much difference between the quality of football in Argentina compared to the top European leagues.

"Over there, the fans don't crowd you as much," he said. "Here, there is a mob no matter where I go. As for football, I miss very little, not even the elite level of competition, which we also have here."

The 32-year-old has registered three goals and two assists since returning to Buenos Aires.