MANCHESTER: Carlos Tevez’s ‘love hate’ relationship with Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini took another turn for the worse on Saturday as the Argentinian was permanently stripped of the captaincy.
Tevez – who has recently spoken of his turbulent relations with Mancini – has been replaced by Belgian central defender Vincent Kompany, skipper in their three Premier League matches this season.
“Carlos wanted to leave for family reasons. I respected his opinion but Carlos is still here because we didn’t find a solution,” said Mancini.
“I decided in the summer that Vinnie (Kompany) was the captain.”
Mancini, though, said that 27-year-old Tevez would still be an integral member of their squad as they approach the Champions League group stages, their debut appearance in European club football’s premier competition.
“He’s a fantastic player for us, someone who can score 20 goals a season,” said Mancini.
Tevez, who joined City from Manchester United in 2009 but who has sought a move away because of family reasons, has made just one brief appearance this term, coming on for compatriot Sergio Aguero against Bolton on August 21. (Agencies)