When Manchester City signed Carlos Tevez from Manchester United two seasons ago, they signified the capture by erecting a poster aimed at antagonising their bitter rivals. A sky blue background with Carlos Tevez’s image in the middle with the slogan reading “Welcome to Manchester” at the time it was seen as a way of taunting their neighbours and also something of a publicity stunt. Just over a month later at the city of Manchester stadium, Celtic FC played a pre-season friendly against Man City. The Celtic fans that travelled to the game unravelled a banner that was a mock of the City poster. The slight difference was that it displayed Carlos Tevez clutching giant money bags this time reading “Welcome to Modern Football”.
Upon further inspection I realized that this poster is the perfect symbol that now typifies how the modern football fan is becoming more disillusioned by the players increasing levels of gluttony. Keep in mind that this was two season ago, we are only now starting to witness the harsh realities of this slogan. In the past season alone we have seen how player power can have a detrimental effect on the team and the supporters.
Wayne Rooney probably the most high profile of these players was first out of the blocks in September to hand in a transfer request, claiming Man United no longer matched his ambition? Carlos Tevez demanded a transfer from Man City, citing a break down in relationship with the chairman. Charlie Adam was next, seeking a move to Liverpool. Since the season has ended the recurring theme has continued, Luka Modric has stated his desire to leave Tottenham and go across town to Chelsea, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas although they have not handed in transfers requests, haven’t been shy about batting their eyelids at any possible suitors and if push comes to shove they would hand in a transfer request to force a move through.
Last week Carlos Tevez not content with concentrating on helping Argentina gain qualification for the knock-out phase of the Copa America decided his time would be better served making his feelings known by issuing yet another public statement stating his desire to leave Manchester and be closer to his daughters.
When Tevez tried to get away in the January window, he withdrew the request after a series of discussion with the Man City hierarchy. This time Man City are prepared to entertain offers for their prized asset but potential suitors be warned Tevez could cost upwards of £50million and comes with the deserved reputation of having a prima-donna complex.
It’s ridiculous how the 27 year old Argentine can behave towards a club which has done everything in its powers to keep him happy, two requests to leave in a season, first a break down with his relationship with the chairman Gary Cook, now he needs to be nearer to his family so by that rationale Tevez shall be making a money spinning move back to Argentina in the near future.
None of these actions that Carlos Tevez has taken in the last few months should surprise anyone. His career to date is littered with examples of his moody, childish and disloyal behaviour. During his spell at Boca Juniors, Tevez forced his way out of the club by suggesting that press intrusion was too much for him and his family. At Corinthians Tevez again forced a move by going on strike. At West Ham despite his heroics during the last few months of that season Tevez threatened to go on strike after being subbed. Then at Manchester United Tevez claimed he was underplayed and also had a series of disagreements with Sir Alex Ferguson and the club executives, which lead to his defection to the noisy neighbours. When the clubs finally relent to his request for a move, Tevez will express his remorse for leaving the club and deliver another public message conveying his remorse for leaving the club and that the fans will always hold a special place in his heart.
Of course his reasons for wanting out of Manchester could be genuine but I take another stance on the subject, what is more likely is that this is a convenient lie to hide the fact that any player from Tevez to Rooney can decide to break his contract and move on and happily hide behind the cover story of “it’s the club of his dreams” or that his current club “lacks ambition” or that he needs “to be closer to his family”. This can sometimes be a legitimate reason but usually this is an excuse for wanting even more money.
Can we be surprised be this? Not really, we all have seen football develop into the mercenary sport it is today and the fact of the matter is, that we as fans need to get used to the fact that we support players whose priorities are now motivated by financial reward that comes with this profession. Concepts and ideas, like loyalty and honouring a contract have no place in this modern age of football. What a shame!
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DOn’t forget that in his first season he complained of being over played and tired. One wonders what is left.
Correctio:, city didn’t sign him from Manchester united.
They bought him from the third party owner.
Both Manchester united and west ham simply paid a contractor for a period of time.
I could still remember those days when money wasn’t such a big issue. Not as fast paced but still equally enjoyable. Then pay TV came in and then the money started rolling in. Soon after that, it became the billionaires playground. Money corrupts the purity of the game.
We used to watch all the major European leagues for free, now we pay through our arse just to watch EPL.
I don’t really blame the players. They’re just part of this ugly side of football. Once the beast is out, you could try to tame it, but you’ll never subdue it.