Argentina's international forward Ezequiel Lavezzi rejected criticisms on Tuesday surrounding his callup to play in the 2016 Centennial Copa America and he stood by his decision to play for Hebei China Fortune in the Chinese Super League.
"I am more than happy with the decision I made. I have only been there (with Hebei China Fortune) for a short time but I can sincerely say that the (quality of) soccer surprised me for the better. I am adapting to Chinese soccer and life there," Lavezzi told local media after arriving in Argentina.
Lavezzi objected to the criticisms from various sectors of journalism regarding his continued participation in Argentina's national team despite transferring from France's Paris Saint Germain to the Chinese side.
"I am very happy to be able to continue in the national team and I enjoy it. I am very self-critical and in the last period I gave up. I think that is why I am here (still playing for Argentina)," said Lavezzi.
The forward admitted that he is receiving criticisms due to the league he plays in which is not as well-known as European soccer but Lavezzi assured that "each person has a different way of seeing things and giving their opinion."
Lavezzi arrived in Argentina on Tuesday to join the squad coached by Gerardo Martino. Training ahead of the 2016 Centennial Copa America began on Monday. The tournament will be played in the United States from June 3 to 26.
The 31-year-old forward, an international player since 2007, has played 48 matches with the national team, scoring seven goals and wiining an Olympic gold medal in 2008.
After the Chinese club paid several million euros to Paris Saint Germain, Lavezzi joined Hebei China Fortune in February and in March he became the first player from the Chinese league to be summoned to play for Argentina.
