Man City: Adios Carlos Tevez?

Argentinian Carlos Tevez is not only one of the stars at the City of Manchester Stadium, but the captain of Manchester City FC. The club after a good start, some mixed results in-between has now moved back into contention for the title and the more crucial Champions League spots. But the South American is said to be unhappy in England and wants to return to his native Argentina. Why? The reason is rather personal as he wants to be close to his two daughters and he isn't adopting to the harsh life in northern England.

Tevez had handed in a written transfer request, which has been rejected outright by the club. Tevez cited the mentioned family reasons for wanting to depart Eastlands. But he has also said in a statement, "My relationship with certain executives and individuals at the club has broken down and is now beyond repair. I do not wish to expand on this at this stage. They know, because I have told them."

Tevez made clear that he had no problems with coach Roberto Mancini and also revealed that he had wanted to leave the club in the summer, but was convinced by the club and his adviser Kia Joorabchian to stay with the Citizens, who have spend close to 350 Million Pounds in players since their takeover by the Abu Dhabi royal family. And the club revealed that their captain Tevez was the best paid player at the club and that they were in no mood to release him, even for a good transfer fee.

An English newspaper has termed the Citizes as 'FC Soap Opera' with all kinds of stories coming out of the club, where coach Roberto Mancini and the players are set to not get along well, all possible players being linked with the club, the club trying to offload players, bust-up's in training, problems with some of their stars and now their captain wanting to leave. This puts Mancini in a spot then Tevez has performed over the last 18 month's since he switched over from City's rivals Manchester United. But will he be 100% committed in such a situation?

And there are numerous questions which come to my mind. If Tevez is really homesick and wants to be close home to his two daughters back in Argentina, is that allowed in today's professional sporting world? Isn't this a weakness on the part of Tevez which the player shouldn't have revealed? Might he be mocked due to this my his team mates, while others within the team support him and the topic splits the dressing room? Very difficult to answer if you aren't in the Manchester City dressing room and/or close to Tevez.

But it is interesting to see the player requesting his club to release him, while the club and his management are trying to renew his contract for a better pay package. It looks to be a saga which could go on into the new year...