In a stunning revelation that challenges perceptions of team spirit in elite football, former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has admitted he never had a single conversation with his fellow Premier League title-winning teammate Carlos Tevez during their years together at the Etihad Stadium.
An Awkward Admission
The two-time Premier League champion made the surprising confession on the podcast In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet. Hart, 38, who spent 12 years with Manchester City, disclosed that his interactions with the Argentinian striker were so limited that they only engaged when "having an argument" or exchanging banter on the pitch.
Hart arrived at City from Shrewsbury Town in 2006 and was already the established first-choice goalkeeper when Tevez made his controversial cross-city switch from Manchester United in 2009. Despite being part of the same squad for four years and achieving historic success together, their relationship remained strictly professional.
The Language Barrier and Different Eras
The situation was complicated by a significant language barrier, with Hart noting that Tevez deliberately avoided learning English during his time in Manchester. This created a natural divide between the English shot-stopper and the Argentine forward.
Their backgrounds also represented two distinct eras of Manchester City's transformation. Hart was one of the few remnants from the pre-Abu Dhabi takeover era who managed to maintain his place in the team, while Tevez was among the first blockbuster signings of the new ownership era, arriving with considerable star power.
A Surprisingly Warm Reunion
Despite his apprehension about their eventual reunion at a recent golf event, Hart described how his concerns quickly melted away in what became a "nice moment" for both men.
"I was actually thinking, 'When I bump into him, is he even going to remember that we played together?'" Hart recalled. "And then I bumped into him, and he couldn't have been more welcoming, delighted."
The former England international described Tevez as being "a totally different person" away from the football pitch, completely contrasting with the intensely focused teammate he remembered from their playing days.
Proof That Friendship Isn't Everything
Their story serves as compelling evidence that close personal relationships aren't always necessary for achieving sporting greatness. Despite their lack of communication, Hart and Tevez formed part of the squad that secured Manchester City's first Premier League title in 2012, having already won the FA Cup together the previous season in 2011.
Hart reflected philosophically on their dynamic, stating: "You don't have to be best friends" to succeed together on the football field. His revelation provides a fascinating insight into the complex dynamics within top-level football squads, where professional respect can sometimes outweigh personal connection.
