Carlos Tevez in peak condition and ‘very happy’ at City

By JOHN LEES
Published on 18/08/2012 00:32

CARLOS TEVEZ feels he’s in the best physical condition in five years as he prepares to spearhead Manchester City’s defence of their Premier League title, starting tomorrow at home to promoted Southampton.

Tevez produced a lively performance during last weekend’s 3-2 win over Chelsea in the Community Shield at Villa Park, scoring his side’s second goal with a fierce shot from outside the area following a weaving run.

“The pre-season games went very well. I was pleased with how I played and I am looking forward to the start of the Premier League and to start playing,” Tevez said yesterday.

“For the first time in four or five years I have had a full month of pre-season training.” The Argentina international says he has put last season’s feud with manager Roberto Mancini behind him. Tevez refused to warm up during a Champions League fixture with Bayern Munich in September and didn’t play for the next six months, with Mancini at one point saying that it would be “impossible” for the player to return to the team. “All the problems are part of the past and the truth is that I am very happy now,” Tevez said.

Mancini is again insisting Manchester United are favourites for the title. “United have played for the title always, every year for 20 years,” he said. “Although we won the last championship, we can’t change this in one year... And now they have Van Persie – he is a really top player, the best striker last year.”