English Premiership
Tevez: It is goodbye
2009-05-10 13:10
London -Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez has reaffirmed his wish to leave Manchester United at the end of the season because he feels unwanted and unappreciated at the club.
Tevez has in recent months complained about limited first team opportunities with United, for whom he scored 19 goals in 39 appearances as they won the Premier League and Champions League last season, and hinted last month he was ready to leave Old Trafford.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson responded by saying he was optimistic of holding on to the on-loan Argentinian striker when his contract expires this summer.
However Tevez says he is growing increasingly frustrated with United, claiming a lack of first team appearances has affected his confidence.
He said he is ready to move to another English Premier League club even if it meant a drop in wages.
"It is goodbye," he told The Sunday Telegraph.
"I respect the fans and it has been a great two years. Obviously in the last year my participation on the pitch has been less but that has been the choice of the coach, not my choice.
"I have given everything I possibly can to the shirt of Manchester (United) and I'm grateful to the fans. But I'm leaving and I do so with my head held high."
The complicated background to Tevez's contract status means the former West Ham forward is only on loan at Old Trafford and is a free agent at season's end with the ability to walk out on United.
Iranian businessman Kia Joorabchian's company MSI own Tevez's registration. Joorchabian claimed on Sunday he had received an offer of 40m pounds from a foreign club for Tevez.
The Argentinian refuted claims that he has tried to hold the club to ransom by asking for more money, and insists he is not angling for a move abroad.
"My daughter, Florencia, is four and is learning English, speaking English - it's better than mine - and my wife Vanesa is also happy here," added Tevez.
"We like living here and want to stay here."
But Tevez said the frustration of being dropped time and again while scoring goals and playing well for United has forced him to look elsewhere.
He added: "This season I scored four goals against Blackburn in the Carling Cup and then got dropped, I came on and scored against Porto in the quarter-final (of the Champions League) and then got dropped for the away leg.
"I scored two against Fulham and got dropped. Whether I come on the pitch and play well or whether I come on and play OK, I know I am going to get dropped.
"That creates a bad feeling for me."
Tevez's latest outburst is likely to alert United's Premier League rivals to his availability - all of whom are likely to be watching the situation closely.