Premier League news: Santa Cruz to leave Eastlands in January, Tevez to stay
Roque Santa Cruz believes Carlos Tevez will stay at Manchester City until the end of his contract despite his wish to return home, Argentina.
In 2009, Tevez signed a five year contract with mega rich City, but since returning from the World Cup, the Argentinean has spoken many times of his dissatisfaction with the life in England due to the fact that his daughters live
in Argentina.
The striker was devastated after Argentina’s elimination from the World Cup in South Africa and even said that he could quit football if his passion for the game does not return.
Many regarded Argentina as favourites to win the competition, but were shocked to see a young German side humiliate them with a 4-0 defeat in the quarter-finals.
After the defeat, the Manchester City striker said: “"I have less and less will to carry on in Europe. I'll be here two or three more years and then I'll go back (home), I've got to see if I carry on playing. It’s difficult to
quit now but if football doesn't make me happy and doesn't fulfill me as it used to, it's hard to carry on playing."
Since returning to City, there has been constant speculation surrounding him whether he will stay or not, and honour his contract, or will he retire and go back to his family.
City’s Italian boss Roberto Mancini has tried his bit to stop his striker from leaving the club, by giving Tevez the added responsibility of the club’s Captain.
Santa Cruz, believes that Tevez, 26, will see out his contract at Eastlands before going back home.
The Paraguayan striker said: “His heart is with his family, He wants to be with his people and they are in Argentina. His brothers and also his daughters are there. When one feels that his homeland is calling he may do anything
to go back, but I think he will stick it out and complete his contract with City before going back home."
These remarks beefed-up rumours about the Argentinean’s exit, as many tabloids used his quotes to fuel speculations that the City captain could move on, but since then the Paraguayan has clarified his remarks.
Insisting that Tevez is enjoying playing for the Club and he will stay till his contract ends; he also denied reports in the media that Tevez’s relationship with his Italian manager is poor. They may have some differences as everyone
has a right to have his own point of view but this is what football is all about.
He further said that club atmosphere is excellent and everyone here wants to do the best for the club.
Santa Cruz confirms January exit
The Paraguayan has confirmed his intention to leave the Eastlands in the January transfer window.
When Santa Cruz joined City from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2009, big things were expected from him, but unfortunately he was plagued by injuries throughout his stay at the club. Although, the striker claims to have recovered
now and is training well, but feels that he will not get many chances to play as there are many top class strikers waiting above him in the packing order.
City have many top class strikers in their ranks, including the likes of Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Joao Alves de Assis – commonly known as Jo, and the latest arrival Mario Balotelli.
Bottom Line
Mancini is using a system in which he plays only one striker up-front; that further complicates matters for Jo, and with City always on the lookout to sign big players, the Paraguayan’s opportunities are only going to be narrowed
down in the coming days. For this very reason, his decision to leave the club sounds justified. He is a top class player and in January many big clubs will certainly be lining up for his signature.
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