Given the length of time it took to get Tevez to Old Trafford in
the first place, reaching a resolution is unlikely to be easy. But,
after waking to confirmation of Cristiano Ronaldo's eventual desire
to play in Spain, Sir Alex Ferguson will be comforted by Tevez's
statement of intent.
"I would certainly love to extend my contract," said the
24-year-old. "I would go and sign right now if the opportunity was
there." It is hardly a surprise that Tevez, like most South
Americans - and Portuguese for that matter -would one day like to
experience life in Spain. But he is unequivocal about his desire to
remain with United and win trophies under Ferguson.
"La Liga is a possibility eventually but that day is a long way
off," he said. "I know a lot of South Americans prefer to play in
Italy or Spain when they move to Europe but I am really pleased
that I came here. "This is the best league in the world and I am
among some of the best footballers in the world.
"I am not one to be making comparisons between clubs but
Manchester United are right up there with anyone in the world.
"When there were problems last summer, everyone assured me it would
reach a positive conclusion and I am glad it did.
"From day one, everyone has treated me well and made me feel
right at home. The fans at Manchester United even shout
'Argentina'. That is why I am so happy here."
Not that he has has abandoned his roots, even after two years in
England. He remains a Boca Juniors fan at heart, which is perhaps
no surprise given his childhood in Buenos Aires and the fact he
played for the club aged just 16.
Perhaps more of a shock, certainly to Ferguson, is the fact he
set his alarm for 4am on Thursday to see Boca held 2-2 in the
Libertadores Cup by Mexican side Atlas. "I follow all the games
live when I can and although the Atlas result was not good, I still
believe we can get to the final," he said.
The use of the word 'we' was quickly corrected but Tevez
does little to dissuade anyone of his passion for home. After
winning a gold medal in Athens, he has already experienced the
Olympic atmosphere once but if the call came to compete in Beijing
this summer, it would be accepted even if Ferguson is unlikely to
be happy about losing the forward in August. "I don't know if they
will want me but I always love playing for my country," confirmed
Tevez.
However, there are more pressing concerns just at the moment,
like beating Chelsea in the Champions League final next Wednesday.
In collecting his first major European medal by helping United
overcome Wigan to lift the Premier League last weekend, Tevez knows
he can cap a truly memorable campaign by winning in Moscow's
Luzhniki Stadium.
"It is great to live through and experience the build-up to such
a big game," he said. "I know, even in South America, after the
World Cup and the domestic tournaments, it is the most followed
competition. For a player, being involved in it, it is the second
biggest thing you can be involved in after the World Cup."
Tevez may not speak much English but, through Ronaldo, gets his
point across when required and is clearly a popular figure in the
United dressing room. For his part, the striker can see how much
influence Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have on the club which is
why, though Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney may be more obvious
matchwinners, Tevez can see a bigger picture.
"It is vital we have the experienced guys in the team who know
what situations like this are like," he said. "People like Ryan
Giggs and Paul Scholes can settle everyone down and help us prepare
mentally for the game on Wednesday. "We can approach it with a bit
more confidence knowing they are there to keep us focussed on the
game."