Tevez to stay at City

Carlos Tevez has formally withdrawn his request to leave Manchester City.

Tevez, who will retain the club captaincy, had asked to leave the club on December 11 after having talked of his dissatisfaction with life as a footballer for several months.

He has repeatedly underlined the problems in his personal life - his daughters are based in Argentina - and said his relationship with "certain executives and individuals at the club" had broken down "beyond repair".
However, a statement on the club's official website on Monday read: "Manchester City can confirm to its fans that 'clear the air' talks have been held with Carlos Tevez.

"During the meeting Carlos expressed his absolute commitment to the club and formally withdrew his transfer request.

"Carlos' contract remains unchanged and both Carlos and the football club are keen to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead."

Manager Roberto Mancini added: "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."

Speaking to Sky Sports before Monday's game against Everton, Mancini said: "I am happy that we finish this and Carlo stays. It's very important for everyone."

Asked if it was a big decision to keep Tevez as captain, he replied: "No, absolutely not. It was easy."

Source:  ESPNsoccernet , December 20, 2010

Result Monday, August 23, 2010

Status	Home	Score	Away	VENUE (ATT.)
FT	Manchester City	3 - 0	Liverpool	City of Manchester Stadium (47,087)

Man City sign Balotelli, Milner to follow

Manchester City have completed the signing of Italy striker Mario Balotelli from Inter Milan for a reported fee of £24 million.

Balotelli, 20, passed a medical in Manchester on Friday and signed a five-year deal to complete his switch from Serie A to the Premier League.

City manager Roberto Mancini, who worked with Balotelli at Inter before moving to Eastlands, said: "I think that Mario is one of the best players of his age in Europe.

"His style of play will suit the Premier League, and because he is still so young there is a big chance for him to improve. He is a strong and exciting player, and City fans will enjoy watching him.''

Although the deal was completed too late for Balotelli to be included Saturday's opening Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, he will be available for the home clash with Liverpool on August 23.

Mancini also said James Milner was close to signing from Aston Villa, although they are still sorting out the details of the deal. "I think it will be okay but we need another two or three days," he said. "When you do a deal, everything must go in a good way for everybody, so we probably need another two or three days for this situation."

It is reported that the Milner deal is being held up because Stephen Ireland - who is due to be part of a part-exchange deal - is demanding a £2 million pay-off. Asked whether that was the case, Mancini replied: "I don't know about that."

Aston Villa caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald said on Friday: "The latest about Milner is that talks are still ongoing. Nothing can be done today in terms of him being signed in time to play tomorrow. James has been put in the squad and will be available to play for Aston Villa against West Ham."

Mancini was non-committal about Robinho's chances of remaining at Eastlands, but there is no place in his plans for Craig Bellamy, who is attracting interest from Fulham, Tottenham, Sunderland and Celtic. "I have to choose 25," Mancini said. "The rest must find another team. Craig is out of the list."

Bellamy this week claimed he had not spoken to Mancini in several months, but the Italian said: "What he has said is not important because it is false. I speak with the players every day and Craig always played for me last year. This year I choose other players. I am the manager and it is my choice."

Mancini also rejected suggestions City are set to buy Benfica defender David Luiz and Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Balotelli and Milner set to represent the final deals of the summer. "After these two players - finished," Mancini said.

Source: ESPN Soccernet

Adebayor escape another ban

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been handed a suspended two-match ban and £25,000 fine by the Football Association for his controversial goal celebration against Arsenal last month.

The Togo striker ran the full length of the pitch at Eastlands to toast his goal in front of the Gunners' travelling support, provoking ugly scenes in the stands.

He apologised after the match and claimed his celebration was a reaction to the constant abuse meted out to him by the away fans throughout the game.

He has already missed three games after he was charged with violent conduct by the FA for a clash with Robin van Persie.

The Dutch forward appeared to have his face raked by Adebayor's studs. Cesc Fabregas also complained of rough treatment at Adebayor's hands during City's 4-2 win.

But now he has received a suspended sentence, Adebayor will be available for City's game with Aston Villa, which is live on ESPN UK on Monday night. As part of the verdict, he could be banned if he contravenes FA rules before December 2010.

City manager Mark Hughes said he was delighted with the verdict. "There has been a lot said and written about Emmanuel's goal celebration. We are just glad to put it all behind us now and I am relieved he will be able to play at Aston Villa on Monday night. Manu was in great form before his suspension and having him available again is a huge boost to us."

An FA statement read: "Emmanuel Adebayor has been fined £25,000 and given a suspended two match ban. At a Regulatory Commission hearing, Manchester City forward Emmanuel Adebayor was fined £25,000 and given a suspended two match ban.

"Adebayor admitted a charge of improper conduct relating to his goal celebration during City's match against Arsenal at the City of Manchester Stadium on 12 September. In reaching its decision the Commission took into account his admission of the charge, public apology and the extremely provocative nature of the abuse he received.

"However, the Commission also stated that players have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a proper manner and that such celebrations are unacceptable and have the potential to cause a serious public order incident. The two match ban was suspended until December 2010 and will be activated in the event of a similar breach of FA rules."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, October 1, 2009

FA to investigate Adebayor incidents

The FA will take a "good close look" at two incidents involving Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor during Saturday's 4-2 win over Arsenal at Eastlands, chief executive Ian Watmore has confirmed.



The former Arsenal player ran the length of the pitch to taunt the away support after scoring City's third goal and had earlier appeared to kick his old team-mate Robin van Persie in the face.

Watmore told the BBC: "I was pretty unimpressed really because the problems between the Arsenal fans and Adebayor are well documented, and he ran the whole length of the field to celebrate, so I think we're going to have a good close look at that one on Monday when we see it properly in the cold light of day."

Referee Mark Clattenburg booked the Togo striker for his goal celebration, which provoked fury among many Arsenal fans who had to be restrained by pitchside stewards, one of whom needed hospital treatment after being hit by a flying object in the melee.

"I thought the stewards did a great job of calming the situation down and it was to Manchester City's credit nothing worse happened," Watmore added.

Adebayor's clash with van Persie left his former colleague with a gashed face and the Dutchman later claimed he had been the victim of a "mindless and malicious stamp".

However, Watmore refused to be drawn on the possible extent of any punishment which could be meted out to Adebayor, saying: "Our governance team will take a good look at both of the incidents that have been highlighted and will come to the media with the answers early next week. The punishments are the decision of the individual commission, if we get that far."

Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporter's Federation, bemoaned the possible effects of Adebayor's actions in front of the Gunners supporters in the wake of the recent fan trouble between West Ham United and Millwall.

"The kindest thing you could say about this is that it was unwise,'' he said. "It was a very silly thing to do. It's likely to add to the risk of incidents in the future and it doesn't help eliminate the elements of disorder.

"I think most supporters, particularly following the West Ham and Millwall situation, would agree that this was a very unwise thing to do.

"Footballers get paid a lot of money to perform on a public stage so it is not realistic to judge players and fans on the same standards."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, September 13, 2009

Tevez: Ferguson is ''scared'' of new-look Man City

Carlos Tevez has claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson is ''scared'' of playing Manchester City this season following their busy summer of spending.

Tevez spent two years on loan at Old Trafford before securing a permanent switch to Eastlands over the summer and has not kept quiet over his dissatisfaction of being kept on the bench by the Scot.

Ferguson, for his part, has played down the significance of the Argentine's departure, whilst also warning Man City that it will be difficult to break into the top four this season. However, Tevez feels his former boss is worried about the Manchester derby on 20th September.

"Ferguson is history for me but I know that he is scared of playing against us," the striker told Globoesporte. "It's dangerous for Ferguson's objectives and for him to criticise Manchester City."

Tevez has also explained the differences between playing under Ferguson and working with current manager Mark Hughes.

"Mark Hughes is only focused on his work and the team, he doesn't get involved in the negotiations," he said. "He has been a football player so there is a big difference in the way he treats each player."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 24, 2009

Hughes: City still want Lescott

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has not given up hope of signing unsettled Everton defender Joleon Lescott.

The City boss confirmed on Thursday that negotiations are still ongoing and the Eastlands outfit are preparing to make an increased bid for the England international.

Lescott has had a written transfer request rejected by Everton and City have had bids of £15m and £18m rejected by the Goodison Park club, who insist the 26-year-old is not for sale.

But Hughes is set to further test Everton's resolve and said: "We have made offers and shown interest, obviously that is seen by virtue of the bids we have put in."

"But they have been rejected and Everton are fully within their rights to do that, we respect that. "We are still trying to speak to the people who will ultimately make the decision over whether or not the deal continues. "Those conversations are still to take place but how long they will still be active is open to debate.

"It comes down to the club themselves and if they feel they don't want to do a deal in terms of the players they have they have a right to do that, and we respect that, irrespective of the player himself or how he feels."

If a deal for Lescott fails to materialise Hughes, who has already spent £100m in the transfer window, is likely to move on to other targets before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

City have already signed one defender this summer in £16million man Kolo Toure from Arsenal but West Ham United's Matthew Upson is another player to have been linked with Eastlands.

Hughes added: "We were looking to strengthen the defensive options we have got. We have done that in respect of Kolo, we are very pleased he is here.

"I have stated we would like further strengthening to take place but if not we go with what we have got."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 13, 2009

Hughes gives Tevez time to stake claim

Carlos Tevez will have a week's intensive training before Mark Hughes decides whether to pitch Manchester City's new cult hero into Premier League battle at Blackburn Rovers.

With Argentina coach Diego Maradona heeding Hughes' plea to leave Tevez out of his country's friendly with Russia in Moscow, City have the chance to build up his fitness after a 25-minute outing against Celtic on Saturday.

Hughes is dubious about Tevez's chances of starting at Ewood Park given it was his first appearance of the entire pre-season campaign as he struggled to overcome a heel problem.

However, recognising what a positive impact the 25-year-old had on the City supporters on Saturday, as well as his contribution to a 2-1 win, the Blues chief is eager to give Tevez every opportunity.

"I would like to think Carlos will play a part on Saturday although we will have to see how this week goes before we decide whether to start him or not," said Hughes.

"He has been a bit frustrated because he has not been able to put any weight on the heel for the vast majority of pre-season and has been chomping at the bit to play.

"But he looked really sharp when he came on. And the reaction he got from the crowd was fantastic.

"He is going to do great things for us. His energy gives the team a trigger and a focus for when we want to press and engage people. He is going to be really important."

For his part, Tevez just wants to be fit. It is the reason that for all the patriotism he has shown throughout his career, he is glad to be staying in Manchester while Argentina do battle against Guus Hiddink's Russia.

"It was a decision taken by all of us," Tevez told the club's website. "It is important to be fit for Saturday and I have only managed two training sessions so far.

"I need to be able to train all next week so I can produce a really good performance on Saturday."

For all the mass of new signings, which Hughes is pledging will continue as he attempts to bring in another central defender before City begin their Premier League campaign next weekend, Tevez seems certain to be regarded as the heartbeat of this new-look Blues team.

The South American's industry will always draw praise. But his status as a player who snubbed Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United and joined City instead ensures him a special place in the hearts of his new club's supporters, which could galvanise the side when they are in trouble.

Hughes will need to check on the hip problem that forced Kolo Toure out after just 18 minutes on Saturday.

The City chief is reasonably confident Toure will be fit for clash with Sam Allardyce's men, although as his attempts to lure Joleon Lescott across from Everton appear to have stalled, a quick refocusing of targets cannot be ruled out, especially as Hughes is not entirely satisfied with his side's defending.

"We are an attack-minded team," he said. "On occasion that caught us out last year so it is a case of making sure we are better and that our concentration levels are high, not only when you have the ball but when you are without it."

The technical aspects of City's play will be lost over the next few days and weeks as an expectant football world waits to see what the initial impact of a summer outlay exceeded only by Real Madrid will be.

As Celtic manager Tony Mowbray observed, Hughes has plenty of goodwill from his fellow managers, while any critics among City's supporters may be silenced for a while as they try to take in the magnitude of charge at their club.

"It reminds me of when I first came to Manchester back in 1965," said Blues legend Mike Summerbee.

"Something special was just about to happen for City and their supporters all those years ago and it is happening again on an even bigger scale.

"With the expectancy, City fans can't help but be sucked into it. I am still pinching myself after all that has happened."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 9, 2009