In an interesting twist, Manchester City’s Argentine forward Carlos Tevez has denied he refused to play as a substitute in Tuesday’s Uefa Champions League loss to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
Tevez was the talk of the footballing world on Tuesday evening when he reportedly walked out on the Sky Blues leaving coach Roberto Mancini fuming.
In fact, the Italian boss said Tevez would never play again for the club.
Speaking at the press conference after the game, Mancini said: “If I have my way he will be out. He’s finished with me.
“He refused to come on the pitch. What I said to Carlos is between me, him and the team but I am really disappointed because it is Carlos.
“Can you imagine a Bayern Munich, Milan or Man United player doing this? He refused to warm up and again refused to go on the pitch. If a player has a lot of money to play for Manchester City … he can’t (refuse to play), never.”
Mancini had received widespread support from football commentators and journalists, while Tevez had received condemnation.
The Guardian said Tevez had committed a “crime against the game”, while The Daily Mail said he should be left to “rot in the reserves”. Serious words.
However the saga has now taken a serious turn, with Tevez and his management claiming it was all a misunderstanding.
In a press statement, Tevez said: “In Munich on Tuesday I had warmed up and was ready to play. This is not the right time to get into specific details as to why this did not happen. But I wish to state that I never refused to play.
“I would like to apologise to all Manchester City fans, with whom I have always had a strong relationship, for any misunderstanding that occurred in Munich. They understand that when I am on the pitch I have always given my best for the club.
“There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood. Going forward I am ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations.”
There’s no doubt this whole mess hasn’t been good for Tevez’s brand and Wednesday’s claims of a misunderstanding are a bit hard to believe. Whatever the case, it seems Tevez and Mancini may never be reconciled.
It seemed 100 per cent certain Tevez would be on his way too, following Tuesday’s reaction but Wednesday’s statement does offer some hope to some kind of reconciliation.
If Tevez wants to stay at City, then that statement was the only way of keeping that hope alive.
Still his future at Eastlands is very precarious. Some have argued, City need to make an example of Tevez.
Whatever the case, with Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli all showing good form this season, Tevez certainly is no longer in a good position. He’s wanted out before, and it seems he might finally get his way, even if that might not be what he actually wants anymore.