Argentina forward Carlos Tevez has admitted that he has been surprised by the physical side of English football since his move from Corinthians to West Ham United.
Tevez and compatriot Javier Mascherano have struggled to adapt since their transfer to the Premier League club in August.
“English football is very physical and you have to be very quick,” he told Argentina’s Radio Mitre on Wednesday.
“Mascherano and myself knew it would be difficult and we have to be patient.”
“I knew it would be different but not this much. You don’t see much dribbling here, you only get one touch otherwise they eat your legs.
“There aren’t any small defenders, they’re all big. And you have to be 100 percent, otherwise you don’t play.”
“It’s made me improve as a player,” he added. “In South America, you stand out by having good technique, but not here. I’ll have to be patient and keep learning.”
Tevez denied reports claiming he would be leaving in January.
“I don’t know anything about moving from West Ham,” said Tevez. “They’re all asking if we’re staying but we just keep on training.”
