Former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez has revealed that he wished Wayne Rooney had followed him to Eastlands.
Tevez left Old Trafford for City in the summer of 2009 and he has become as a key player at the United’s local rivals.
United striker Rooney was linked with a move to City last month after contract talks stalled at Old Trafford.
However, Rooney ended up signing a new five-year deal at United when it had looked like he was on the verge of quitting the club.
Tevez admits he would have loved to have been reunited with Rooney.
“Wayne is a player of great quality,” said Tevez. “He was a team-mate and a friend of mine at United and he’s one of those men that is better to have on your team than against you.
“For me he is the best English striker of recent years. I would have liked him to come here, of course. But it was complicated for him to leave United. So we have to concentrate on our own game.”
Speaking ahead of the first Manchester derby of the season, Tevez insists he has no regrets at swapping Old Trafford for Eastlands and he is happy with life at City.
“I made the change and so far I’m not sorry,” added Tevez. “As players we are professionals and we have to make decisions that are right for us.
“But I also realise many people may not have understood my decision. All I can do is concentrate on my game and play well for City. And at the minute it is going well for me.”
Tevez insists City are not obsessed about defeating United, but admits they are keen to supplant their local rivals.
“Any battle against the United defence is never easy,” continued Tevez. “It’s a big challenge.
“But at City we’re not obsessed by United. Our challenge is just to improve on last year and by doing that perhaps we can overtake our neighbours. That’s our aim.”
