CARLOS TEVEZ ended his game of brinkmanship with Manchester City last night when he withdrew his transfer request in the face of an uncompromising stance by the club’s hierarchy.
The Argentina international, who only nine days ago described his relationship “with certain executives and individuals at the club” as “broken down and beyond repair”, performed the dramatic U-turn following a meeting yesterday morning with several City executives, including the chief executive, Garry Cook, and the chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak. Tevez’s adviser, Kia Joorabchian, who has been accused of being the driving force behind the recent fallout, was not present.
During the discussions, Mubarak and Cook made it clear to Tevez he would be expected to honour a contract that has three and a half years remaining.
They also reminded the striker it’s against club policy to renegotiate contracts midway through a season. Earlier in the dispute they had warned they would sue Tevez’s representatives for his full transfer value – in the region of €41 million-€47 million – if he delivered on a threat to retire.
With no prospect of a move next month and no pay rise on the table, although City had opened talks on improving the player’s commercial rights before he submitted a transfer request a fortnight ago, Tevez informed his employers that he was prepared to stay at Eastlands.
His stance will reinforce suspicions that the saga was an attempt to inflate his contract from €270,000-plus a week to €355,000 a week, although, unlike in the case of Wayne Rooney and his recent standoff with Manchester United, the club refused to relent.
“Manchester City can confirm to its fans that ‘clear the air’ talks have been held with Carlos Tevez,” the club said. “During the meeting Carlos expressed his absolute commitment to the club and formally withdrew his transfer request. Carlos’s contract remains unchanged and both Carlos and the club are keen to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Manager Roberto Mancini said: “Carlos is a world-class player whose contribution since he joined the club has been invaluable. I am pleased that we are now able to focus on pure football matters and to be able to look forward to Carlos continuing to play a significant role in the club’s progress.”
Mancini held a meeting with Tevez on Friday as part of a concerted club effort to convince the player to stay. He allowed the forward to keep the captain’s armband for their Premier League home defeat against Everton.
City were dismayed by the varied reasons given for the 26-year-old’s disillusionment, which included a desire to be closer to his two daughters in Buenos Aires, a fallout with Cook and the football administrator, Brian Marwood, two executives he has met only infrequently, and finally, according to Joorabchian last week, promises made in August that went unfulfilled.
Mancini hinted last week that reports of Tevez’s unhappiness had been exaggerated and that the player would remain until the end of this season.
Mancini said: “If Carlos is unhappy and he’s scored 10 goals and played very well, then I hope that he’s unhappy like that all season.
“But I don’t think he is really unhappy. He can change his mind. Do I want him to stay? Absolutely. He has a contract and he is our player. It’s my belief that Carlos will stay with us.”
City were adamant that Tevez would not be allowed to disrupt their attempts to qualify for the Champions League and challenge for the Premier League title.
* Guardian Service
Carlos Tevez factfile
1984
Born February 5th in Buenos Aires.
2001
Makes first-team debut for Boca Juniors.
2003
Wins two Argentinian titles, two Libertadores Cup titles and the World Club Championship with Boca.
2004
Joins Brazilian side Corinthians in a €14 million deal, a record between South American clubs.
2005
Helps Corinthians to the Brazilian title and named the competition’s best player.
2006
Joins West Ham along with Corinthians team-mate Javier Mascherano.
2007
March West Ham charged by the Premier League for breaching their rules in relation to the signings of Tevez and Mascherano.
AprWest Ham fined €6.5 million, but spared points deduction.
MayScores winning goal in 1-0 victory at Manchester United which ensures West Ham avoid relegation.
AugWest Ham reach €2.4 million settlement with Tevez's representatives which allows the Argentinian to leave the club for Manchester United.
2008
Wins Premier League with Manchester United.
MayScores opening spot-kick in United's 6-5 penalty shoot-out victory against Chelsea in Champions League final.
2009
Wins second Premier League title with Manchester United.
MayAccuses United of lack of respect and states his desire to leave Old Trafford.
JulManchester City say they've agreed a deal with Tevez.
2010
JanuaryRe-ignites feud with Gary Neville, describing him as a "boot-licker" and an "idiot" on Argentinian radio.
AprQuestions training methods of Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini in a newspaper interview.
AprMancini publicly tells Tevez he can leave in the summer if he is not happy at the club.
Dec 12City reveal they have rejected transfer request from Tevez.
Dec 20City announce Tevez has withdrawn his transfer request after clear-the-air talks with the club.
