• Premier League

Mancini unconcerned by Tevez conduct

ESPN staff
April 5, 2013
Roberto Mancini does not believe Carlos Tevez's misconduct reflect badly on Manchester City © PA Photos
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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has professed himself unconcerned by Carlos Tevez's conviction for driving without insurance and while already disqualified.

The Argentina international striker escaped a jail term but was sentenced to 250 hours' community service and had his driving ban increased.

Mancini said: "I think that Carlos did a mistake and he paid for this. Usually he has good behaviour. I didn't speak to him about this."

City midfielder Samir Nasri was also banned from driving for speeding but Mancini denied that such incidents damage the image of the club.

He added: "I don't think this. This is their private life. We can do nothing about this. This can happen sometimes."

Meanwhile, Mancini has welcomed Yaya Toure's decision to sign a new contract at City and tipped the midfielder to play on until his late 30s. The Ivory Coast international has signed a four-year contract extension to keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2017.

Mancini believes Toure is one of the finest footballers on the planet and said that the former Barcelona player, who turns 30 in May, is versatile enough to end his career as a defender.

He said: "I am happy because Yaya for me is one of the best players in the world and we are happy he plays for us and he stays here for another four years. It is very important.

"I think that Yaya is a player that can play until [he is] 36 or 37 because he can play in front of the defence, or like a central defender. I think he can play every position. I think when he is very old like me he can play as a defender."

With Toure committed to an extended contract, City's attention could turn to players whose current deals expire in 2014, including Tevez and midfielder Gareth Barry. And Mancini believes they will also sign new deals, adding: "I am confident."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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