Carlos Tevez has accused Sir Alex Ferguson of breaking a promise over his Manchester United future, claiming the legendary manager began pushing him out of the team before his controversial move to Manchester City.
Tevez was appearing on the Rio Ferdinand Presents channel, during which he reflected on the breakdown of his relationship with Ferguson after helping the club win the Premier League and Champions League.
Loan deal and a promise in Los Angeles
The Argentine initially joined United on a two-year loan deal after impressing at West Ham. Tevez recalled a conversation with Ferguson during the club's pre-season tour of Los Angeles, in which the Scot assured him that his future at Old Trafford would be secured.
"Fergie told me, 'Carlos, now I'm going to pay out your contract and you're going to stay in Manchester'," Tevez explained. He claimed Ferguson had also reassured him that the club would complete a permanent deal, despite signing Dimitar Berbatov.
Feeling pushed aside
However, Tevez believes those assurances were not honoured, leaving him feeling unwanted after contributing to United's success. The forward said the club's decision to bring in another player appeared to be an attempt to reduce his value, while his own role in the team began to diminish.
"For me it was hard, Rio. It was hard because I felt like I'd given my heart to United. And I didn't feel the same," Tevez said.
He added that Ferguson had six months to keep his word following their conversation in Los Angeles, but claimed the manager instead began leaving him on the bench and pushing him aside.
"He started pushing me aside so he could bring down what I was worth. And that's what hurt me the most," Tevez said.
Impact on the dressing room
Ferdinand says the Argentine's exit had a big impact on the dressing room.
"It didn't end well. I was disappointed. It killed us, man. Serious," Ferdinand said.
Head to the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel to watch the full interview.
