Roberto Mancini claims he respects Carlos Tevez's decision to ask to leave Manchester City.
City chief can understand star's desire to leave
Roberto Mancini claims he respects Carlos Tevez's decision to ask to leave Manchester City.
Tevez has informed the club that he wants to quit City for personal reasons as he wants to be closer to his family in Argentina.
The Argentina international submitted a transfer request in December, before quickly performing a dramatic U-turn and pledging his commitment to the club following clear-the-air talks.
However, Tevez is hoping to secure a move away from City this summer and Mancini admits he can understand the player's thinking and respects his decision.
Speaking to Sky Sports News' chief news reporter Bryan Swanson, who is with the Manchester City squad on their pre-season tour of USA and
Canada, Mancini said: "When you talk about a player like Carlos it's difficult because Carlos is a fantastic player, a good guy for me.
"Probably if we lose Carlos, we lose an important player.
Very sorry
"It is important that every player is happy to stay here or in our team, this is the most important thing for me.
"Every time I spoke to Carlos he never said to me 'I want to leave' he said he is missing his daughters, his family
"I am very sorry if Carlos wants to leave because for me he is a good man and he's a fantastic player, but I respect his decision."
Brazilian side Corinthians are thought to be leading the chase to sign Tevez and they are believed to have tabled a new bid for the forward after seeing their initial bid rejected earlier this week.
Sky Sports News sources say City are still discussing Corinthians' improved offer.
It's believed City would be prepared to accept slightly less than their £50m valuation if Tevez moved to South America on compassionate grounds so he could be with his children.
