If those of you who thought the infamous "Welcome to Manchester" billboard that was erected when Carlos Tevez arrived at Manchester City was bad taste then the decision of the Argentine international to hand in a transfer request at this stage of the season must be like chewing on a lemon.
Indeed, Tevez's transfer request seems to be very ill-timed and somewhat contradictory given his comments earlier in the week about being happy with life at the City of Manchester stadium.
With Manchester City moving up to second place in the Premier League following a comfortable 3-1 victory at West Ham on Saturday, there seems to be a belief around Eastlands that City could challenge for the title given how open the league has been thus far: only one point separates the top four whilst there are only seven points between eighth place and nineteenth place.
However, the written transfer request comes as a major blow to Man City and it also comes at a bad time for manager Roberto Mancini, who would have had Tevez central to his plans for the Christmas period in which Manchester City would look to push on and prove themselves as worthy and realistic title contenders.
Carlos Tevez and Roberto Mancini share heated words following the substitution of the Argentinian international
Just last week against Bolton, a public spat with Tevez had to be swept under the carpet with the Argentine showing his displeasure at being substituted in the 1-0 win before Mario Balotelli's blatant display of insolence at West Ham, walking straight down the tunnel having been substituted. Tevez, as the club captain, set the precedent with his altercation with the manager and it appears to be one that those with a superstar mentality appear to believe they can follow without consequence.
Tevez has stated a desire to move back home to Argentina to be with his family as a major factor into his decision to hand in a transfer request. His second daughter, Katia, was born prematurely back in February. Whilst no amount of money can compensate for not watching your children grow up, surely Tevez must have had good reason to commit to Manchester City on a five year deal in the summer of 2009. Perhaps circumstances have changed since then but, nonetheless, the decision to sign a long-term deal appears slightly bewildering.
If Tevez is to leave Manchester City then it would not be a cheap deal as it is doubtful that the club would be willing to let their top scorer leave for a small fee which casts doubt over a move back to South America, where Tevez played for Corinthians and Boca Juniors in the early stages of his career. There are few clubs, if any, in South American football who could afford such a lucrative transfer and none immediately spring to mind.
Statistically, Tevez has an outstanding record at Manchester City with 39 goals in 58 games - that's an average of 0.67 goals per game. However, with that record comes the inevitable claims of over-reliance on the 26 year-old. Whilst this can be true for some games, such as the 3-1 defeat to Lech Poznan in the Europa League, there are occasions where City have proved themselves to be more than fine without him, like on Saturday. With that said, though, you have to think that over the course of a season - or even half a season, as may be the case - Manchester City would be worse off without Tevez in the side and finding a replacement would be difficult if not nigh-on impossible.
Baring in mind the incident in the Bolton game, it is interesting to note that one of Tevez's reasons for submitting the request was that his relationships with "certain executives" at the club had "broken down beyond repair". Manchester City have pointed the finger of blame firmly towards Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchin but Tevez has shrugged off such accusations, insisting he wished to leave in the Summer but was persuaded to stay. Things have not changed.
Rumours suggest that Tevez may even retire from football altogether as he has become disillusioned with the game, revealing that he was tired of football and tired of people who work in football.
Rumours suggest that Tevez may even retire from football altogether as he has become disillusioned with the game, revealing that he was tired of football and tired of people who work in football.
Tevez's family still live in his native Argentina
Tevez has stated a desire to move back home to Argentina to be with his family as a major factor into his decision to hand in a transfer request. His second daughter, Katia, was born prematurely back in February. Whilst no amount of money can compensate for not watching your children grow up, surely Tevez must have had good reason to commit to Manchester City on a five year deal in the summer of 2009. Perhaps circumstances have changed since then but, nonetheless, the decision to sign a long-term deal appears slightly bewildering.
If Tevez is to leave Manchester City then it would not be a cheap deal as it is doubtful that the club would be willing to let their top scorer leave for a small fee which casts doubt over a move back to South America, where Tevez played for Corinthians and Boca Juniors in the early stages of his career. There are few clubs, if any, in South American football who could afford such a lucrative transfer and none immediately spring to mind.
Statistically, Tevez has an outstanding record at Manchester City with 39 goals in 58 games - that's an average of 0.67 goals per game. However, with that record comes the inevitable claims of over-reliance on the 26 year-old. Whilst this can be true for some games, such as the 3-1 defeat to Lech Poznan in the Europa League, there are occasions where City have proved themselves to be more than fine without him, like on Saturday. With that said, though, you have to think that over the course of a season - or even half a season, as may be the case - Manchester City would be worse off without Tevez in the side and finding a replacement would be difficult if not nigh-on impossible.
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