Tevez has united Manchester City's dressing room, claims pal Zabaleta

13 August 2009 10:13
Carlos Tevez has made a big impression on his new Manchester City teammates and is proving an instant hit in the club's dressing room, according to Pablo Zabaleta. The Argentina striker is not short of admirers among the City fans, having switched from city rivals United this summer, and received a rapturous reception when he made his debut against Celtic on Saturday. Tevez's pre-season has been hampered by a heel injury sustained while slipping in the shower. Nevertheless, he has already won over his new colleagues with his ultra-professional attitude. Zabaleta said: 'Carlos is a normal person but a big character to have around. Mark Hughes and his staff have said to me what a fantastic player, what a good professional he is. Everybody here is very happy with him. 'He has a big desire to play, so it's been frustrating for Carlos, the problem with his foot. He wasn't able to train with us, but this week he can train well, and maybe he can play in the first game. Even with his problem, he was training in the gym every day. Zabaleta also revealed that the dressing-room all speak in English both out of respect and in order to improve the communication between the squad. 'I don't need to help him with his English. We sit with the other players and speak in English. Spanish would be much easier for us of course, but it's out of respect for the others. It must be funny listening to us.' Zabaleta, captain of the Argentina Under 20 world champion side in 2005, revealed that he played a key role in tempting Tevez to Eastlands and is confident about City's chances of uccess this season. The right back said: 'Carlos and I are good pals - I've known him a long time, from when we were in the Under 17s and the Under 20 team for Argentina. As we all know, he is a very good player, and we wanted his quality. 'Carlos spoke to me before he came here. He asked me to talk about the club and of course I told him how big Manchester City is, and that it is a good club to be at. We hope to finish in the top six. 'City is very different now, and Carlos is good for everybody. Players want to come here. We have bought Gareth Barry and the others - they come because they believe in the project, and that's important. 'The new signings have changed everything. Last season was difficult - now a lot of players have gone, and it is a new team. We've got some good players for this season, the pressure is going to be different.'

Source: Daily_Mail