Tevez promises respect at Juventus
CARLOS Tevez promised “respect” for his new coach, Antonio Conte, and “full responsibility” for his actions when he was presented as Juventus’ major off-season acquisition this week.
The Argentina striker transferred from Manchester City, where his scoring talents were often overshadowed by clashes with his manager and off-pitch troubles.
Asked how he could operate under Conte, also an explosive personality, Tevez responded: “With one word — respect.”
Juventus are spending up to £12million with bonuses for the transfer and signed Tevez to a three-year deal reportedly worth à5.5- million a season.
“I’m aware of how much the Bianconeri spent to bring me to Turin and I’m assuming full responsibility to represent my new club and wear the No 10 shirt,” Tevez said at Juventus Stadium.
Tevez’s four-year spell at City will forever be remembered by his refusal to go on as a substitute in a Champions League match at Bayern Munich in September 2011, sparking a major fallout with thenmanager Roberto Mancini.
The spat led to Tevez spending six months off the team — three of those on unauthorised leave in Argentina.
He was hit in the pocket to the tune of almost £10-million in fines, missed wages and sacrificed loyalty bonuses.
Juventus does not seem worried by Tevez’s recent past and is hoping he becomes the centrepiece of its attack and leads the club to a first Champions League since 1996. Perhaps that’s why club officials didn’t hesitate when Tevez asked for Alessandro Del Piero’s old No 10 shirt.
“It’s a challenge to me and it doesn’t worry me,” Tevez said. “I already wore Maradona’s shirt at Boca [Juniors]. I’m honoured to take over from Del Piero.”
Del Piero, the former Juventus captain, left the Bianconeri a year ago after 19 seasons with the club.
Tevez is expected to become Juve’s focus in attack and help the squad in its stated goal of improving its performance in the Champions League. Juventus were eliminated from Europe in the quarterfinals in April by eventual champions Bayern Munich, losing 4-0 on aggregate.
Former Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has also just joined Juventus on a free transfer and could pair with Tevez.
“Conte will decide that,” Tevez said. “But I can offer experience and quality for Juve.”
Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta said: “When Tevez told us he wanted to wear that shirt we realised it was time to take it out of the closet.
“Tevez is a champion with the right mix of humane and professional qualities to take over that number.
“With victories, Juventus has regained credibility and appeal,” Marotta said. “Now the big champions are asking to come to Juve, and that’s a point of pride for us.”— Sapa-AP