Tevez defends decision to visit Shanghai Disneyland while injured

What started as a clean slate in China is turning into another controversy-filled chapter.

After suffering a calf injury, Carlos Tevez was spotted at Shanghai Disneyland with his family on the same day Shanghai Shenhua played Changchun Yatai in the Chinese Super League. Criticism followed, but the Argentinian forward had the "day off" and insists he trains with a "serious attitude."

"I heard the reports of (criticism of) my visit to Disneyland with my family," Tevez told the Chinese media, according to ESPN FC's Michael Church. "It was my day off. I went to Disneyland after training. I am just a normal person, and it is normal to have quality time with my family.

"I train with a serious attitude and when I am having time off I hope to be respected as well. I hope (the media reporting on my private life) won't happen again."

Tevez, who only holds one goal to his name since touching down in China, joined Shanghai Shenhua from Boca Juniors for a reported transfer fee of £9 million (approximately €10.75 million). Daniel Angilici, Los Xeneizes' president, will be travelling to China in August and will apparently negotiate a buy-back for the player.

Related - Boca presidents wants Tevez back: 'We will have a talk'

"He is a decision-maker of the club, and it is normal that he wants me back," Tevez said. "But my family and I really like the life in Shanghai. I've been here for two months. Me and my family are very fond of this place, it is a beautiful city. We have been living a happy life here. I need to settle into the CSL as soon as possible in order to have better performances on the pitch."

Shanghai Shenhua is ninth in the CSL with two wins, one draw, and two losses from five matches.