Mancini relaxed about Tevez

29 October 2010 13:31

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini understands why Carlos Tevez might be feeling homesick - but is confident the striker will not cut his contract short at Eastlands.

Tevez will miss City's trip to Wolves on Saturday with a thigh injury and has been given permission to travel to Argentina to visit his family before reporting back on Monday. Team-mate Roque Santa Cruz has been quoted as saying the club captain wants to be back "among his people" in Argentina and that he thinks Tevez will return to his homeland after his current deal with City ends in 2014.

Referring to reports of Tevez being homesick, Mancini said: "He never talks to me about this, but I think it is normal."

He added: "When you are in another country for a long time, it is normal that sometimes you need your country or your family.

"But he has his job here and it is a fantastic job. I don't think we have a problem."

Asked if he was worried Tevez might not see out the whole of his contract at City, Mancini replied: "No, not at all."

It has been suggested that Tevez is growing disillusioned with football and particularly the dual demands of playing for club and country.

Mancini believes it would be beneficial for the player if he was able to curb his commitments with the Argentina national side.

"It is impossible, I think, but maybe sometimes when they have a friendly match it would be better for him to stay here to recover," Mancini said.

"If it is possible, it would be better for us and better for him. But when they are important games with the national team, it is difficult."

Source: PA