Former Manchester United and Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has revealed that the Falklands War was the reason he refused to learn English during his seven-year spell in English football. The Argentine forward, who won two Premier League titles with United and one with City, spoke candidly about the lasting impact of the 1982 conflict on his family.
Personal Connection to the Conflict
Tevez disclosed in a 2023 interview with DSportsRadio in Argentina that his uncle, a former River Plate reserve team player, was called up to fight in the Falklands War just before his first-team debut. The uncle survived the 74-day conflict but suffered severe trauma, becoming an alcoholic afterward. “He suffered after that and became an alcoholic. That marked me a lot because he was very close to me,” Tevez said.
The Falklands War, which began after Argentina invaded the British overseas territory, resulted in 649 Argentine and 255 British military deaths, along with three civilian fatalities. Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the islands, which it calls Malvinas.
Cultural Resistance to English
Tevez explained that his uncle's experience led him to reject English culture and language. “I had a cultural problem with the English,” he stated. “I didn’t want to learn English, I wanted them to learn Spanish. OK, I’m here for work but I’m not getting used to English culture. You want to speak to me, then you learn Spanish because I’m not going to learn English. Very few people know this story but today I can tell it.”
Despite his success, including 34 goals in 99 appearances for United and 73 in 148 for City, Tevez maintained his stance throughout his time in England from 2006 to 2013.
Football Career and International Impact
Tevez made his Premier League debut with West Ham in 2006 before moving to Manchester United on a two-year loan. He won the Champions League and two Premier League titles with United, then controversially joined Manchester City, where he added another Premier League and the FA Cup. He earned 76 caps for Argentina, scoring 13 goals, and represented his country at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, reaching the quarter-finals both times. He also started the last meeting between England and Argentina in 2005, a 3-2 friendly defeat.
England and Argentina are set to face off in a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, renewing a rivalry with deep geopolitical undertones rooted in the Falklands War.
