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Tevez will stay until the end of the season - Richards

Micah Richards insists the Manchester City dressing room spirit is good © PA Photos

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Carlos Tevez will stay at Manchester City until the end of the season at least, according to defender Micah Richards.

Tevez, the club's top scorer with 10 goals to his credit in the campaign, has handed in a transfer request but manager Roberto Mancini is hoping he can persuade the Argentina striker to stay and lead City into the Champions League.

Mancini is reportedly considering whether to take the captain's armband off Tevez while his future is decided. But Richards is backing his captain to at least lead the club through to the summer.

Richards said: "I'm sure we can keep Carlos until the end of the season at least. We're doing well in the league and we finished top of our group in Europe. It's going well for us and he's a big part of what we're trying to do. If you ask anyone, they will tell you that. I think they will get it sorted out and the sooner, the better.''

Richards insists his team-mate's dressing room manner has not changed.

He said: "Carlos has been just the same. He's got his opinions and stuff. He's a bubbly character, always laughing and joking in training. I don't think it's anything to do with Man City to be honest. He's said previously that he's tired and stuff like that. He made his debut when he was 15 or 16 and I think he's missing his family back home.''

News of Tevez's determination to leave the club broke after the victory against West Ham last weekend. Tevez sat out the match as he was suspended but he is due to return against Everton on Monday.

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