"I know that Brazilians think Pele is the best but I'm Argentine and I think it's Diego Maradona," the 20-year-old forward, regarded as one of his country's top players, told Globo television.

Tevez's $18 million move from Boca Juniors to Corinthians is a record transfer between two South American clubs.

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The transfer was made possible after Corinthians signed a controversial $35 million partnership deal with London-based group of investors MSI.

Tevez arrived in Brazil on Sunday night, two days after scoring in his last game for Boca Juniors as they beat Bolivar 2-0 to win the Copa Sudamericana.

He underwent a medical on Monday and was officially presented to the club at a dinner on Monday night.

He is due to fly back to Buenos Aires for Christmas and will joining the team for pre-season training in January.