• Champions League

Tevez denies refusing to play against Bayern

September 28, 2011

Carlos Tevez has issued a statement claiming that he "never refused to play" against Bayern Munich and that his "position may have been misunderstood".

Tevez's tumultuous Manchester City career looks to have come to a close after manager Roberto Mancini said he had "refused to go on" as a substitute during the 2-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night. "If I have my way he will be out of the club," Mancini added.

Tevez, speaking through an interpreter, had responded to the accusation by saying he had been "professional during all my time here", but in a further statement on Wednesday morning he went a step further by denying the claims and saying he was willing to play on for City.

Tevez said: "I would like to apologise to all Manchester City fans, with whom I have always had a strong relationship, for any misunderstanding that occurred in Munich. They understand that when I am on the pitch I have always given my best for the club.

"In Munich on Tuesday I had warmed up and was ready to play. This is not the right time to get into specific details as to why this did not happen. But I wish to state that I never refused to play.

"There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood. Going forward I am ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations."

ESPNsoccernet contacted Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian by text in the wake of the incident to ask if there was an explanation for the forward's refusal to play, but Joorabchian simply replied: "He didn't!"

In his press conference after Tuesday's game, Mancini said he would speak with chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak to determine whether Tevez will remain at the club.

"In the next days, we will speak with Khaldoon," Mancini said. "It is normal. He is the chairman. He decides everything. If I decided, yes [he would leave]. He wanted to leave last year. I helped him for two years every time. He refused to play. I cannot accept this behaviour from him. I decide the substitutions, not Carlos.

"Do you think at Bayern Munich one player can play like this? Or Milan or Manchester United? No. There were 30 minutes to the end. There was time to change the game.

"Carlos didn't play at the start of the season because he didn't do a pre-season for three years. He is not ready to play."

Edin Dzeko also appeared to be angered when he was substituted ten minutes into the second half, and Mancini warned the striker that such behaviour will not be tolerated again.

"This is the last time one player leaves the pitch and moves his head like this," Mancini said. "I can understand a player is disappointed, I can understand inside he can be upset if he thinks he has played well, but I am the manager. I decide everything."

He added: "I should be unhappy with this performance, not Edin, but he played a poor game. If you play every three days, it is impossible that one player can always play well and that he can always stay on the pitch for 90 minutes."

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