Argentine professional football player Ezequiel Lavezzi on Tuesday downplayed criticisms about his callup to play in the 2016 Centennial Copa America, and he stood firmly by his decision to play for the Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune.

"I am more than happy with the decision I made. I have only been there (with Hebei China Fortune) for a short time but I can sincerely say that the (quality of) soccer surprised me for the better. I am adapting to Chinese soccer and life there," Lavezzi, 31, told the media following his arrival in Argentina.

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The Villa Gobernador Galvez native objected to criticisms about his continued participation in Argentina's national football squad despite moving from French club Paris Saint Germain to the Chinese side in February. Lavezzi signed a two-year contract with the Samba Kings for $15 million a year.

Hebei China is currently on the third and fourth spot in the 16-team Chinese Super League team standings. The team has a record of six wins, two draws and two defeats.

"I am very happy to be able to continue in the national team and I enjoy it. I am very self-critical and in the last period I gave up. I think that is why I am here (still playing for Argentina)," said Lavezzi.

According to Xinhua, Lavezzi acknowledged that he is receiving criticisms because the league he competes in which is not as well-known as European leagues. However, the former Napoli forward noted that "each person has a different way of seeing things and giving their opinion."

On Tuesday, Lavezzi arrived in Argentina to join the national squad coached by Gerardo Martino ahead of the 2016 Centennial Copa America. The tournament will be played in the United States from June 3 to 26.

TagsEzequiel Lavezzi, Hebei China Fortune FC, Paris Saint-Germain, Chinese Super League, argentine national football team