Third time unlucky: Legendary Carlos Tevez leaves Boca Juniors never to return

The ones you love will hurt you the most. It's probably what's been going through Carlos Tevez's mind lately. At 37, he should be enjoying playing for his favourite club in his native Argentina, but he'll have to depart La Boca for the third time. And the reason is particularly depressing – Carlos has had a big argument with fellow Argentinean legend Juan Roman Riquelme, who is currently Boca's vice-president.

They go way back, but Juan Roman Riquelme and Carlos Tevez can't go on together (©AFP)

Tevez and Riquelme never had a good relationship. They maintained a professional relationship for as long as they could, but that's all over. In an emotional press conference, the former Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus striker announced that he's leaving Boca Juniors six months before the expiration of his contract.

"I called Roman and told him the same thing I said to you. It is personal. He understood it and not much more than that. We spoke for an hour, but that remains between Roman and me. He understood everything. I'm happy with my decision. It is difficult, it is one of the saddest days of my life, but it is the best decision. Boca is my life. I know that it's impossible to play for this club unless you're completely ready, both physically and mentally."

Huge loss: Diego Maradona with Tevez in 2010 (©AFP)

It's been a desperately painful year for Tevez. Not only he was struck by the death of his close friend and idol Diego Maradona, but he's also mourning the passing of his father Segundo, who died three months ago.

"I need to be with my mother. I need to be a son. Three months ago, my old man left. I want to be a father, son and brother. It is the only thing I have in my head. And, regarding football, I don't know. Physically I'm ready to play, but mentally I'm not. I don't know if I'll be playing again, but, certainly, I won't be playing for Boca Juniors ever again."

It's a sad day for Boca Juniors fans to see their beloved Carlitos leave again, but they will be comforted by the words of the man who'd won 11 trophies with the club.

"Since I was born, Boca was my team, and it will be my team until I die. I have no words to thank the fans for all the love they've given me. My blood is not red, it will always be blue and yellow."