Expected to make peace with manager Roberto Mancini and support Manchester City in their pursuit of the Barclays Premier League title, Carlos Tevez looks set to return.
After spending almost three months on unauthorized leave in Argentina, the 28-year-old striker’s ongoing feud with the league leaders heightened in September when he declined to warm up during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich.
Following unsuccessful attempts to secure a transfer away from City in January, it appears Tevez is now willing to resolve his issues with the club to rejoin the team for the crucial Barclays Premier League fixtures.
“There have been some very sensible discussions which have taken place in, probably, the last 10 days and I have to say there has been a thawing on both sides,” stated Paul McCarthy, one of Tevez’s representatives.
“Carlos is eager to return; he wants to play football again. Roberto Mancini has opened the door for him more than ever. Now it’s about getting his fitness back.”
Initially deeming it “impossible” to reintegrate Tevez, Mancini’s perspective has softened. After City’s recent 1-0 victory at Aston Villa, he indicated the striker could play a role for the team, provided he apologizes for his prior insubordination, which is believed to have cost him around $14.83 million in fines and lost earnings.
Tevez was the joint-leading scorer in the league last season with 20 goals, alongside Manchester United’s Dimitar Berbatov. Nevertheless, City has managed well without him, netting 64 goals in 25 matches—the highest in the league.
However, with Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko’s performance declining since the early weeks of the season, having a fit Tevez available for the upcoming EPL and UEFA Europa League matches would enhance Mancini’s offensive options.
“In the previous couple of seasons before this year, which has been pretty awful considering everything post-Munich, (Tevez) was Manchester City’s leading goalscorer,” remarked McCarthy.
“He must return; he needs to don the Manchester City shirt again and do what he excels at, which is scoring goals and aiding his team. He aims to assist Manchester City in claiming the title.”
By regaining fitness and participating for City, Tevez would not only strengthen the squad but also reenter the market for a potential transfer in the summer, with the big-spending French club Paris Saint-Germain remaining a possible destination.
by Buford Balony
