Source: Daily_Mail
Carlos Tevez performs U-turn to appear at Manchester City's FA Cup parade
ShareCarlos Tevez handed Manchester City fans a huge boost this evening by arriving with his team-mates to celebrate at the club's historic FA Cup victory parade. [LNB]City officials feared Tevez had booked a flight home to Argentina and would miss the event and so informed their talismanic striker he had to attend or face a heavy fine. [LNB]But ahead of the city-centre bash, Tevez dismissed claims he was considering flying back to South America. [LNB][LNB] Thanks for coming Tevez! Holds the Cup aloft at the event in Manchester[LNB] [LNB] Hero's reception: Captain Tevez and the winning goalscorer at Wembley, Yaya Toure, emerge with the cup[LNB]Speakingexclusively to Sportsmail, he said: 'In my mind, there was never a question as to whether I would be there. I'm sure it will be a fantasticevent. [LNB]'It will be a great day for Sheikh Mansoor, who has given so much to the club - but also for the fans who have waiting so long and so patiently as well as the players who have given their all to make this possible. [LNB]'No one had to persuade me because I simply wouldnt have missed this event.'[LNB] Glory: Vincent Kompany holds the cup aloft as the bus begins to make it's way around the city[LNB] [LNB] Flying the flag: Thousands of fans turned out at the event which kicked off at Manchester Town Hall[LNB]Onlyone senior player was believed to be missing from the event, Italian striker Mario Balotelli is expected to be absent from the parade which travels from the Manchester Town Hall on Albert Square to the City of Manchester stadium.[LNB]Tevez was one ofthe main figures to take the fans' acclaim as they lined the route in their thousands before a spectacular party at Eastlands.[LNB]Tevez did more than anyone to ensure the Blues' campaign ended on a high note, with an automatic place in next season's Champions League group phase now assured following Sunday's win at Bolton.[LNB] The wait is over: City fans and players celebrate the end of the 35-year wait for silverware[LNB][LNB] Noisy neighbours: City fans soak up the atmosphere ahead of the parade[LNB] Centre of attention: City players looks on from the open top bus[LNB]He would certainly leave a big hole in Mancini's squad if he was to leave for Spain or Italy.However, that would presumably just bring even more pressure from manager Roberto Mancini for further investment, even though Sheikh Mansour has already spent ?350million on players since his takeover three years ago.[LNB]Vincent Kompany is undoubtedly one of the best purchases.And having been crowned fans' player of the year at a function last night, the Belgian is already looking forward to further glories.[LNB]'We had a good season but the reality is we didn't finish champions, so there is obviously a gap (nine points) between first place and second and third,"said Kompany.[LNB] A day to remember: One young City fan shows his appreciation (above) as the supporters hold memorabilia flags aloft (below)[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]Party time: Thousands of City fans line the route of the procession[LNB]'We will do everything we can to bridge that gap. If the club decides to buy it willmake sense but hopefully this team will be stronger, regardless of that.'[LNB]Kompany certainly does not feel any sense of inferiority when he assesses City's strengths against those of their rivals.[LNB]'There has been very little in our games with United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham,' he said. 'We will do better next season than this and the gap is going to get smaller.'[LNB]As someone who was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom team during the Scot's difficult early years at Old Trafford, City assistant boss Brian Kidd knows such progression cannot be rushed.[LNB]Kidd retains enough affinity for his old club to be attending Saturday's Champions League final at Wembley. And he does not feel it will be long before City are battling on an equal footing.[LNB]'I don't see why not,' he said. 'We are a young squad and the players who have come in from abroad will learn from it.[LNB]'If you look back in the 80s when the boss - Fergie - came in, people forget there was 30,000 in there watching Wimbledon.[LNB]'It is a long, hard process but when you win something it becomes intoxicating.' Tevez told to put Argentina flight on hold and celebrate FA Cup triumph Mancini blasts transfer speculation and says Tevez will stay at EastlandsManchester City trump Barcelona in snapping up Suarez from Celta Vigo All the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion[LNB]
