Tevez joins Man City, criticises Ferguson

Manchester City's new signing Carlos Tevez poses at a news conference at the City of Manchester stadium, northern England July 14, 2009.

LONDON (Reuters) - Argentina striker Carlos Tevez signed for Manchester City on Tuesday and used his first news conference at the big-spending Premier League club to criticise Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

The 25-year-old, who spent two years at Old Trafford under a lease agreement, said Ferguson had not done enough to persuade him to stay at the champions.

"Alex never called me or sent me any text messages," Tevez, who signed a five-year contract, said through a translator. "The only time he spoke to me was after the match against Roma because we had to discuss me playing for Argentina.

"I don't think that is the way to treat a player who has been two years at the club."

Tevez was the third major pre-season signing for City who are owned by Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour after midfielder Gareth Barry and striker Roque Santa Cruz joined from Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers respectively.

City manager Mark Hughes confirmed that the free-spending club had opened talks with Arsenal about buying Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

GOOD PROPOSAL

Tevez was a firm favourite at Old Trafford, scoring 34 goals in 98 appearances but often had to make do with a place on the bench. He was among the substitutes for the Champions League final defeat by Barcelona in May.

"United fans have to understand that part of my heart will always be with them, they were always supportive and always made me feel well even when I wasn't playing well," he said.

"It was not because of the fans that I left but because Ferguson and (chief executive) David Gill didn't do enough to keep me there."

Tevez, who joined West Ham United from Brazilian side Corinthians in 2006, said City's potential was a major factor in him switching across the city.

"Both the technical department and the ownership came with a very good proposal for me and this showed that they have the ambition to become one of the biggest clubs in the world," he said.

"Money was not a factor for me. Always to have a coach that wants me and a good fan base and a good environment to make me happy, that was the most important thing. I'm delighted to be here."

With Paraguay international Santa Cruz and possibly Adebayor in the squad next season, Tevez said he was prepared to have to fight for his place.

"In every team you have to win the respect of your team mates and sweat the shirt," he said. "I would not be happy if I was assured a first team place."

City have been linked with Chelsea captain John Terry in recent weeks but Hughes would not be drawn on the speculation surrounding the England defender.

"I have fantastic respect for John Terry, as a great player and as an outstanding captain. But he is a Chelsea player at this moment in time so we have to respect that," he said.

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