Carlos Tevez feels the treatment he now receives
from Manchester United fans is unfair after the loyalty he showed
them.
The striker spent two years at Old Trafford but switched
allegiances over the summer when he spurned the chance to extend
his stay with the Red Devils and instead join Manchester
City.
Although the champions failed to lodge a formal bid for the
25-year-old, Sir Alex Ferguson claimed he asked the Argentine to
stay after the Champions League final defeat in Rome but Tevez
insists his mind was already made up.
The former West Ham favourite enjoyed tremendous success with
United, winning two league crowns and the Champions League, but
felt unwanted as the club stalled over offering him a permanent
deal.
Tevez returned to a frosty reception at the Theatre of Dreams
earlier in the season as United triumphed 4-3 in the first derby of
the campaign.
"Obviously I was disappointed because I don't think I deserved
to be treated that way. When I was there I was a hard-working and
loyal player who gave my all," he said.
"After the (Champions League) final, Ferguson tried to get me to
sign permanently but I told him I was moving on.
"My contract was terminated on the day of the Champions League
final, so there was no time for negotiations. And my heart was set
on a move elsewhere."
The Carling Cup has thrown the two clubs together for a
two-legged semi-final tie and Tevez believes the clash should be
billed as a classic.
"Obviously it's going to be a 'clasico' and I'm very happy to be
playing United," he added.
"I played there for two years and now I'm going to have to play
against many of my friends once again."
Despite feeling a sense of injustice at his treatment from
United fans since his departure, Tevez reveals that should he score
against his former club he will not celebrate.
"Obviously I'd be delighted to beat United and reach the final
but I still have respect for the club," he said.
"I won't celebrate if I score. I don't want to rub their noses
in it."
