Selling Tevez won’t halt City, says Vieira
FORMER Manchester City star Patrick Vieira insists the club’s march towards the summit of Europe will not be halted by the impending sale of striker Carlos Tevez.
Argentinian Tevez, who has become a talisman for City during their rise from mid-table to Champions League, is close to ending his two-year stay at Eastlands.
Brazilian side Corinthians are the favourites to sign him for £40m, although the deal hit a snag yesterday, while he also has admirers in Italy and Spain.
But Vieira, who retired last week to become City’s football development executive, believes the club will continue to improve without him.
“It is never easy to lose players like Carlos Tevez, but it’s not the first time a big club has lost a big player,” said Vieira.
“I believe we can still achieve our targets and we will still have a really competitive team. The players will take more responsibilities on their shoulders and that will make them better players.
“If Carlos does leave we just have to wish him good luck and say thank you for everything he has done for the football club.”
Corinthians refuted suggestions a deal was in place for Tevez yesterday, adding that City had changed their demands.
If Tevez does move City are expected to sign Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid as his replacement.