The curious case of Carlos Tevez

 

by Ifreke Inyang

Carlos Tevez’s move to Corinthians collapsed two days ago, bringing to an abrupt end the possibility of returning home to his daughters – at least that is the reason he gave for wanting to end his European venture to continue his career in South America.

The Brazilian club released a statement that read: ‘The board of SC Corinthians hereby officially announce the impossibility of signing the Argentine striker Carlos Tevez. While recognising the efforts of Manchester City and everyone involved in the negotiation, there is no more time for the transfer to be completed, given that the (Brazilian) transfer window to sign players from abroad ends on Wednesday, July 20.

“Aware of the enormous dream of our supporters for the striker to once again play for Corinthians, the board hopes to count on Tevez in the near future.”

In spite of the fact that a  £40m fee had been agreed between the two clubs, sources in Brazil indicate that the deal broke down because the South Americans were unable to pay any cash up front, and they also did not have enough time to produce City with bank guarantees that the money would be eventually arrive in four installments.

This drama that played out didn’t shock in any way. Tevez’s introduction to the limelight played out  in controversial circumstances, when he completed his move to West Ham on a transfer deadline day. The deal needed to be verified by the English FA and even at that, we were still not satisfied. Either way, he and fellow Argentinean, Javier Mascherano had snuck out from obscurity into the bright lights of football. Mascherano has gone ahead to have a fluctuating career, and has eventually landed on the substitutes’ bench of Barcelona but Carlito continues to hold on dear to controversy.

First, it was his shocking departure from Manchester United to fierce rivals, Mancheter City. After a very successful loan spell with the Red devils, Tevez opted to switch divide to the Blue half of the city, after refusing to re-sign. Manchester City went ahead to stoke the flames when they put up a banner with Tevez on it and the inscription: “Welcome to Manchester”. Being the sort of player that matches up hype with world class performances on the pitch, Tevez became an instant cult hero at the Eastlands.

The saga started sometime last season. Tevez came out through his agent, Joobrachian to state that he wanted to leave the club.  At that point in time, the club wasn’t prepared to lose him and so they cajoled him and he stayed. Although it was very evident that he was forced to stay, he remained professional, steering the team to triumph in the FA Cup. But with the summer came a renewed enthusiasm to depart.

One really has to wonder if it is all about his daughters though. After almost single-handedly giving Manchester City a place in the Champions League, the highest stage of club football, Tevez was on the verge of returning to Latin obscurity. Not only that, he was willing to sign on reduced terms. As it stands now however, he will not get that wish as the South American transfer window slammed shut on the 20th of July.

You would expect him to start mending the bridges he has broken. He isn’t. Tevez is still bent on leaving . If he eventually does, it will be to another European club – Real Madrid and Inter Milan are reportedly circling around. This begs the question: Is he having personal issues with the hierarchy at City? Is it really about his family? Or does he just love the air of controversy?

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