Moreno extends Shenhua stay by 2 years

Ti Gong

Shanghai Greenland Shenhua announced a two-year contract extension with captain Giovanni Moreno on Monday, meaning the 31-year-old Colombian international will stay with the Chinese Super League side until the end of the 2019 season.

The announcement was made through the club’s official Weibo account one day after Shenhua won the 2017 Chinese FA Cup. The team lost 2-3 to city rival SIPG on Sunday in the second leg of the CFA Cup final, but claimed the championship on away goal following an aggregate score of 3-3 over two legs.

Moreno joined Shenhua from Argentina’s Racing Club in the summer of 2012, and has scored 56 goals in 161 appearances for the club. His 50 goals in the CSL over the past six years means he replaced former Shenhua forward Xie Hui as the club's top scorer in China’s top-tier league.

Shenhua also is in talks to extend the contract of Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins though fellow forward Carlos Tevez's days at the club seem to be numbered, AFP reported.

Shenhua, which is likely to cut its losses on the disappointing and expensive Argentine Tevez, said it was keen to keep cup hero Martins and negotiations are ongoing.

The 33-year-old veteran, formerly of Newcastle United and Inter Milan, scored in both legs against SIPG, including a cracker on Sunday.

Tevez's troubled spell in China looks to be over after the striker flew home to Argentina — just as his side won the CFA Cup.

The 33-year-old Argentine has had a miserable 11 months in China despite earning some of the highest wages in world football, an estimated 730,000 euros (US$871,745) a week.

The former Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus star has played only half the games and scored just four CSL goals all season.

He was not involved in the CFA Cup final.

Shenhua coach Wu Jingui said Tevez jetted home after he failed to make the squad for the second leg and his career in China is almost certainly over, although Wu would not be drawn on that.

"He wasn't named in the squad so he made the decision to go back to Argentina. I understand why — a player of his high level," said Wu.

"Tevez has made a great contribution, especially in the FA Cup, he's not like the person that people say — he is hardworking in training, training twice a day, morning and afternoon.

"He did a great job and technically he's a great player."

Wu, who led Shenhua to FA Cup glory after taking over from Gus Poyet, previously labelled Tevez overweight and had said that he would not play the Argentine former international until he shaped up.

Chinese football fans have been less than impressed with Tevez too, labeling him "very homesick boy" — a nod to his penchant for flying back to Argentina at signs of trouble.

He has been linked with a return to his former club Boca Juniors.