Tevez explains transfer decision

Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez said his poor relationship with officials at the club is the reason he wants out at Eastlands.

Tevez, 26, handed in a transfer request during the week after just 18 months with Roberto Mancini’s side, but the request was immediately turned down by City on Saturday after it was leaked to the press.

But the saga took another twist on Sunday, with Tevez releasing a personal statement that revealed his main reason for leaving was a tattered relationship with ‘certain executives and individuals’.

The Argentine said those relationships ‘has broken down beyond repair’, but made a point of saying he had no issue with manager Mancini, while also thanking mega-rich owner Sheikh Mansour for his support.

“Since signing for Manchester City, I have enjoyed playing for the supporters. They have welcomed me to the club and I regret that it has come to this,” Tevez said in a statement.

“They deserve success as reward for their passionate and patient support. The club is very fortunate to have supporters like these. Anybody who has watched me play for Manchester City cannot question my commitment and passion for the club whenever I have worn the shirt.”

“However, I can confirm I have handed a transfer request to the chairman of Manchester City Football Club.”

“Now I need to clear my head and think because this is an important part of my career. My feelings have not changed and it is regrettable we have reached this situation but it is something I have felt for some time and have spent many hours thinking this through.”

“My relationship with certain executives and individuals at the club has broken down and is now beyond repair. I do not wish to expand on this at this stage. They know, because I have told them. I wish to clarify that I have no personal issue with the manager Roberto Mancini.”

The owner has been very generous with what he has offered to me. I would like to thank Sheik Mansour for his understanding and support.”

Tevez, who has enjoyed stints in England with West Ham United and Manchester United, claimed he wanted to leave in the summer, but was convinced to stay on at the City of Manchester Stadium.

He rejected suggestion he was being manipulated by outside forces and maintained money was not a factor in his decision.

“I wanted to leave in the summer, but was convinced to return to the club,” he said.

“Sadly, my feelings have not changed. I hugely resent the management’s suggestions that I have been unduly influenced by others.”

“It was my decision and mine alone. I am disappointed that the management should now see fit to try to portray the situation in another light.”

“I could have signed an improved contract, offered by the club during this season; however this decision is not about money. I have made that clear to both the board and the management on several occasions.”

“I want to thank the supporters for making me welcome at Manchester City and hope they agree I have given my all for the club on the pitch.”

It is believed that Tevez rejected a wealthy bonus to stay for the rest of the season, meaning that a January departure is most likely for the striker.

He is likely to never play for City again and will mean that manager Roberto Mancini is likely to dip into the January transfer window to secure a replacement for Tevez.