Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano says want-away Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez would thrive in Spain.

Mascherano, who made an acrimonious departure from Liverpool over the summer, insists Tevez has the ability to thrive in the Primera Liga.

"Carlos is one of the best forwards in the world and he can always be sure of a place at any club," Mascherano told The People.

"I sincerely don't know if there's an option for him to play in Spain, but he has the quality to be a success in the Spanish League.

"Carlos did not speak about the situation to his friends and team-mates in the national team in advance, I only heard about it through the press.

"But this situation is not a surprise to me. Carlos has spoken before about the fact his sporting life is already decided and that a return to Argentina at some time has always been fixed."