Wayne Rooney admits he was left ‘devastated’ when Carlos Tevez made a controversial move from Manchester United to Manchester City.
Argentinian striker Tevez helped Sir Alex Ferguson’s United win two Premier League titles and the Champions League during a brief spell at Old Trafford.
Tevez scored five goals during Manchester United’s run to the 2008 Champions League final and then scored from the spot in the penalty shootout win over Chelsea.
The former Boca Juniors and Corinthians star found himself out of the United team towards the back-end of the 2008-09 season and reportedly had a strained relationship with Fergie.
Despite this, United were ready to hand Tevez a five-year contract that summer and make him one of the club’s top earners, only to be told that he would be looking to leave.
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Tevez joined United’s local rivals Man City ahead of the 2009-10 campaign and spent four productive years at the Etihad Stadium, scoring 73 goals in 148 appearances.
He was an integral member of the squad that won their first Premier League title in 2012 and began to make City – not United – the dominant force in England.
Since sealing their first league title since 1968, Manchester City have gone on to win a further seven Premier League titles and their maiden Champions League.
Manchester United legend Rooney was ‘devastated’ when Tevez left Old Trafford and believes he was keen to stay before agreeing terms with the club’s city rivals.
‘I was gutted to be honest,’ Rooney told BBC Sport. ‘I’m pretty sure Carlos wanted to stay at Manchester United.
‘Man City at the time were trying to build and become competitive and I knew that he’d be a massive part of that because obviously the ability he has.
‘I think we’ve seen when he went there, he had some great times there as well. I was devastated, I would’ve really like him to stay longer and continue to play with him.’
Following the signing of Tevez, Man City unveiled a poster in the city of Tevez celebrating with the words ‘welcome to Manchester’ underneath.
The stunt angered Alex Ferguson, who said: ‘It’s City isn’t it? They are a small club with a small mentality.
‘All they can talk about is Manchester United; they can’t get away from it. That arrogance will be rewarded. It is a go at us, that’s the one thing it is.
‘They think taking Carlos Tevez away from Manchester United is a triumph. It is poor stuff.’
Responding to Fergie’s comments, Man City boss Mark Hughes said: ‘The poster campaign in Manchester is a bit of fun between the fans.
‘It is in a similar vein as the banner at Old Trafford which counts the time span since City’s last trophy win. We’re glad it’s got so many people talking.
‘Sir Alex Ferguson is a man I hold the utmost respect for and he is fully entitled to his opinion.
‘I am very happy with the transfer business Manchester City have conducted this summer, and that the players we have recruited are as excited as I am about the season ahead.’
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