Carlos Tevez insists Manchester United will always have a
special place in his heart, even though he is now intent on aiding
Manchester City's bid for glory.
Tevez spent two years with the Red Devils, helping them win two
Premier League titles and reach consecutive Champions League
finals.
Although his time at Old Trafford ended in a bitter dispute with
Sir Alex Ferguson, Tevez will never forget United - and
particularly their fans, who stood by the South American when he
was regularly overlooked in favour of Dimitar Berbatov.
"The fact I did not stay at United was not because of the fans,"
he said.
"They must understand a part of my heart will always be with
them. They were always extremely supportive, even when I wasn't
playing."
If the United faithful are looking for someone to blame for
Tevez's departure, the 25-year-old believes they need look no
further than their long-serving manager.
Tevez disputes Ferguson's claim that he tried to make contact
with the Argentina star on a number of occasions after the
Champions League final, and revealed he just did not feel wanted
enough.
"I felt Sir Alex Ferguson and (United chief executive) David
Gill did not do enough to try to keep me," said Tevez.
"I was at Manchester United for two years. I never got a call or
a text message from Sir Alex Ferguson.
"The only time he spoke to me was after the Champions League
final in Rome when I was going back to Argentina.
"I don't think this is the way to treat a player who is at a
club for two years. There was no line of communication."
It allowed Tevez to join a rare breed to move from United to
City, Denis Law being the most high-profile example.
All the paperwork on a five-year deal has been accepted by the
authorities, giving City sole ownership rights, although it will be
interesting to see what happens should a parting of the ways
eventually be required.
It means Tevez will link up with his new team-mates on their
three-match tour of South Africa when they leave later today.
Then he returns to friendlies against Barnsley and Old Firm duo
Rangers and Celtic before the Blues open an eagerly-awaited Premier
League campaign at Blackburn on August 15.
His trip to Old Trafford comes on September 20, by which time
even he should be used to his new surroundings and a training
ground barely a mile from the one he spent two years working
at.
"I am in an odd situation because I have been in this city for
some time and now I am at a different club," he said.
"But I have been presented with a challenge I am excited by.
"I am one more player. Each time that happens, the ambition of
Manchester City recovering their old status as one of the best
clubs in England gets nearer.
"I am here to try and win titles and trophies. That is what I
will try to do."