Tevez reveals move motives

14 July 2009 16:18
Carlos Tevez claims he has joined Manchester City because Manchester United did not do enough to persuade him to stay. The Argentina international completed his much-touted move to Eastlands on Tuesday, penning a five-year contract with the Blues. He had spent the last two seasons with City's arch-rivals United, but has opted to cross the Manchester divide. United had always insisted that they were keen to turn Tevez's two-year loan deal at Old Trafford into a permanent agreement. However, the combative striker insists Sir Alex Ferguson and United chief executive David Gill failed to convince him that he was an important part of their future plans and, as such, he has decided to take on a new challenge at City. "The fact that I am not staying at United is not because of the fans, it is because Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill did not do enough to keep me there. If it was down to the fans, I would still be there," Tevez said. "I want to thank Manchester United, David Gill, Sir Alex Ferguson and the fanbase for a happy time there, but this is a new challenge and I am very happy to be at Manchester City." Tevez also claims that United never offered him a new deal, despite media reports to the contrary, and insists his relationship with Ferguson was distant throughout his time with the Red Devils. "I was there for two years and Sir Alex never called or sent any text messages in that time," he said. "The only time he talked to me was after a match against Roma to discuss a situation about going to play for Argentina. "It doesn't seem that this is the way to treat a player in two years at the club. It doesn't seem there is a line of communication." Tevez believes he has made the right choice in joining the revolution at City, claiming the Blues have the ability to become a major force in world football. "Man City boast the technical department and the ownership that can make a very good move for me," he said. "They have really shown to me that they want to become one of the biggest clubs in the world. This made it very easy to make the move. I am very happy to be here." He added: "I have not spoken to Mark (Hughes) much as we need to get used to working together, but I am very excited about working with him." The South American star also refuted suggestions that he moved to City after being given assurances that he would be a first-team regular, insisting he is prepared to battle for a place in Hughes' side. "In every team you have to win the respect of your team-mates and you have to work hard for the shirt," he added. "I would not be happy if I had assurances that I would be a member of the first team. I am prepared to fight for a place."

Source: SKY_Sports