Tevez: Forget about me and unite

Carlos Tevez wants Argentina to unite ahead of the FIFA World Cup and end debate about his non-selection.

The Juventus striker – capped 64 times by his national team – has not played since Alejandro Sabella took the job as Argentina coach after the 2011 Copa America.

He bagged 19 Serie A goals this season, leading Juve to their third successive Scudetto, leading to calls for his return to the international fold.

But Tevez missed the cut in Sabella’s provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup that was announced on Tuesday.

Despite his absence, Tevez – who says his international career is not over – wants the focus to be on Argentina’s preparation and not him.

Quoted in the Italian media as saying on Twitter, Tevez claimed: “Through this medium I want to thank all the people for the nice things and the affection I have received.

“We must understand that I have never been a part of this process. In this national team do not look for problems where there are not.

“I ask reporters, journalists, players, technical staff and directors that they are all united. Pull on the same side. We have to give joy to the people and this is the most important thing.

“For those who are under the illusion that my cycle (at international level) is finished, do not forget that I come from a place where it was said that it was impossible to win.”

Argentina, considered one of the favourites to win in Brazil, open their World Cup campaign against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 15.