Carlos Tevez leaves Boca: "Don't know if I am retired yet?" - MLS possible

After 192 games (61 goals and 30 assists) with Boca Juniors, Carlos Tevez has announced that he is going to leave the club for a third and final time. "Physically I can still play, but mentally I can’t…this is not a goodbye, it’s a see you later," Tevez said at a press conference on Friday afternoon that was broadcasted on TyC Sports. "I don’t know I’m retired yet, but if I come back to football it won’t be with Boca."

Speculations about a potential retirement or move to Major League Soccer have been circulating all day Friday. Earlier today it was reported that Tevez could be on his way to Atlanta United where his friend Gabriel Heinze is the head coach. The Athletic writer Felipe Cárdenas, however, cited a club source on Friday morning that pointed out that a move for Tevez at this point would be unlikely by the Five Stripes. 

At a first glance, the timing of his departure seems odd with Boca in the middle of a league and Copa Libertadores campaign. But South America specialist and journalist Juan Arango pointed out on Twitter that the timing of his departure coincides with an option in his contract that would allow him to leave the club. Furthermore, Tevez had a difficult relationship with club boss Juan Román Riquelme and with the atmosphere at Boca turning toxic wanted out of the club. 

Tevez leaves Boca - MLS offers on the table?

Arango also pointed out that Tevez had an offer from Inter Miami CF. But the club was recently punished by Major League Soccer after violating salary budget and roster guidelines. Arango, like Cárdenas, also shut down a potential move to Atlanta. At this point, however, it seems unlikely that Tevez will retire and MLS could still be a potential destination for the 37-year-old forward.