Source: Daily_Mail
TEVEZ EXCLUSIVE: Striker takes No 32 shirt from United days after joining City
Carlos Tevez, who insists he can lead Manchester City to the Barclays Premier League title, will again pull on the No 32 shirt he wore at arch rivals United.
Tevez, who passed his medical examination at a Manchester hospital today, asked for the same number he had at Old Trafford and West Ham as part of the £25million deal that was agreed last night.
Tevez has won the championship in every country where he has played - Argentina, Brazil and England.
After rejecting the chance to stay at Manchester United, the explosive little striker signed a five-year contract and then explained his reasons for teaming up with Mark Hughes.
'The manager and the owners are very ambitious and that became clear to me the first time we spoke,' he said.
CARLOS TEVEZ FACTFILE
1984: Born February 5 in Buenos Aires.
2001: Debut for Boca Juniors. Goes on to win two Argentinian titles, two Libertadores Cup titles and the World Club Championship with Boca in 2003.
2004: Debut for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador.
2004: Joins Brazilian side Corinthians in £8.9m deal. The move is financed by Media Sports Investments, a group of investors headed by Kia Joorabchian.
2005: Helps Corinthians to the Brazilian title.
2006: Scores as Argentina thrash Serbia and Montenegro 6-0 at the World Cup.
August 2006: Completes shock move to West Ham with club and international team-mate Javier Mascherano.
March 2007: Tevez scores first goal for West Ham in 4-3 defeat to Tottenham.
April 2007: West Ham are fined £5.5m but spared a points deduction after pleading guilty to breaching rules over Tevez signing. Star scores the winning goal in 1-0 win at Manchester United which ensures West Ham avoid relegation.
August 2007: West Ham reach settlement with Tevez's representatives which will allow the Argentinian to leave for United.
September 2007: Scores his first goal for United in a 2-0 win against Chelsea.
May 2008: Wins Barclays Premier League and Champions League with United.
May 2009: Wins his second Premier League title but decides to leave over a lack of opportunities.
July 2009: Signs five-year deal with Manchester City.
'This is the chance to be involved from the start, an opportunity to help build a special experience.'
Tevez - three times the South American Footballer of the Year, surpassing Diego Maradona and Pele - spoke to Sportsmail as he prepared to return to the city where he won two titles with United.
'I hope to win many more trophies with City,' he said.
'There is a great feeling of excitement around the club. Look at the quality of the players who have been signed and the prospect of other top-quality players coming, too. Things are happening at this club.
'The owners made it clear to me that they will be doing everything in their power to make this an extraordinary club to play for. I look forward to being part of that experience.
'Mark Hughes played in my position for some of the biggest clubs in the world and understands the demands and pressure of playing as a striker. I look forward to learning from him.'
Tevez insisted the decision to join City is 'mine and mine alone'.
He thanked his mentor Kia Joorabchian and added: 'This is a new adventure for me and I thank the people who have made this possible.
'My record of success speaks for itself. From helping West Ham to avoid relegation to helping Manchester United to two Champions League finals in two seasons. That's not a bad record!'
Tevez also says his scoring record stands up to close scrutiny and added: 'When I get the chance to play, I am confident that it can lead to goals, for me and for my team-mates. I am a team player who can score goals. I know my responsibilities.'
Chelsea were also keen on Tevez, with new manager Carlo Ancelotti bombarding the player with calls, but he said: 'I am thrilled to be a City player. I can't wait for the new season to begin.'
Manager Mark Hughes told the club website, www.mcfc.co.uk: 'Carlos is a player of the highest class who possesses all the attributes that will help drive this club forward.'
He added: 'He is not only outstanding technically but he is a reliable goalscorer and someone who will contribute fully to the team ethic. He gives us another exciting attacking dimension.'
