Tevez withdraws transfer request

Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez has withdrawn his transfer request after holding clear the air talks with the club.

Tevez handed in the transfer request on 11 December, citing a wish to be closer to his family in Argentina and difficult relationships with members of the club’s executive as reasons for wanting to leave Eastlands.

It seems as if the impish forward has had a change of heart, however, much like the one his former colleague Wayne Rooney had at Manchester United earlier in the season.

There will no doubt be speculation that, like Rooney, money was a major issue in Tevez’s decision to stick around, but for now the club are delighted that their captain and top scorer will continue to wear the sky blue jersey, at least for the time being.

The club issued a statement on their website which read: “Manchester City can confirm to its fans that “clear the air” talks have been held with Carlos Tevez.

"During the meeting Carlos expressed his absolute commitment to the Club and formally withdrew his transfer request. Carlos’ contract remains unchanged and both Carlos and the Football Club are keen to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead.

"Roberto Mancini commented: 'Carlos is a world class player whose contribution since he joined the Club has been invaluable'. I am pleased that we are now able to focus on pure football matters and to be able to look forward to Carlos continuing to play a significant role in the Club’s progress.'”

Fans dismayed at Tevez’s original wish to leave the club will see Tevez’s u-turn as an early Christmas present, while the club can go top of the table at Christmas for the first time in 81 years if they can defeat Everton at Eastlands this evening.