Carlos Tevez

[Socrates 8441]

An Argument for Why Juventus Must Not
Tie Carlos Tevez to a New Deal

Jan 20, 2015

While spending time in Argentina during the Christmas break, Carlos Tevez discussed his situation with Juventus and made a number of comments that quickly found their way back to Italy. Far from the kind of outburst with which he was previously synonymous, the 30-year-old made a simple and calm statement of intent.

"I'm not thinking of signing an extension because that’s not how I feel at the moment," Tevez told reporters in his homeland per FourFourTwo. "As I always said, my idea is to complete my contract. Everyone knows I said so from the moment I arrived at Juve.”

It quickly became headline news across the peninsula, so central has Tevez become to the Turin side since his arrival in June 2013. Indeed, when looking for a transfer that can claim to have had the most impact on a club in recent seasons, the £10 million switch Tevez made from Manchester City must rank highly on any list.

Netting a staggering 38 goals in all competitions for the Bianconeri thus far, he narrowly trailed Ciro Immobile as Serie A’s leading scorer in 2013-14, finishing just three behind the Italian. He is also currently top of the charts this term, already weighing in with 13 goals and five assists, making himself indispensable to the reigning champions and striking fear into defences across the peninsula.

There is little doubt he is the club’s most valuable player, capable of winning games almost single-handedly and helping Massimiliano Allegri’s side win matches that would otherwise end as draws. The value of Tevez cannot be reduced simply to his goal tally either, he possesses an infectious work rate that has spread throughout the squad since his arrival in Turin.

While he averages just 0.8 tackles and 0.1 interceptions per game, according to statistics from WhoScored.com, his effort is plain to see, and a number of other players have followed his example. The likes of Paul Pogba, Roberto Pereyra and Kingsley Coman follow the lead of Tevez, who has been a model professional since landing in Italy.

Asked about possibly resting his star striker for the Super Cup clash with Napoli last month, Allegri underlined the role played by the Argentinean. “He's clearly not 100 percent fit at the moment,” the coach noted, per the club’s official website. “But he's such a big player he can still make the difference at any time.”

The prospect of losing Tevez right now is unthinkable, yet it would also be a mistake for the Old Lady to commit to him for a longer period. There are still 18 months remaining on his current deal, by which time he will have turned 32 and is likely to have played over 700 games as a professional, inevitably leading to a serious amount of wear and tear.

It seems impossible to ignore the fact Juventus would receive increasingly diminishing returns on any investment, and the player’s desire to return to the club he loves cannot be underestimated. Wishing to end his career back where it all began, Tevez first joined Boca Juniors back in 1997 and started a love affair with the blue and gold which burns passionately to this day.

It is a mutual feeling, too, with the Bocas' Daniel Angelici repeatedly stating his aim of bringing the striker back to La Bombonera. “Over a year and half, things can change. But right now his idea is [Tevez will return next year],” the president told giornalaccio rosa Dello Sports (h/t Goal.com) recently, understanding the position of both the player and his current club.

As we have seen in the past, there seems to be little sense in attempting to stand in Tevez’s way, and having already stated his intention to honour his current deal, the Bianconeri could coax a superb final season in Europe from the former Manchester United star.

Losing him now would obviously be catastrophic for the grand Old Lady of Italian football, but 18 months is an eternity in football. With the likes of Kingsley Coman, Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza waiting to be passed the torch by the summer of 2016, her future is comfortably secure.

By then, Juventus can thank Carlos Tevez for three incredible years of service, and wave him off into the Buenos Aires sunset as he returns home.

[Socrates 8441]

Agent: ’Tevez talks in a year’

Jan 20, 2015

Carlos Tevez’s agent says discussions over his Juventus contract will not take place before next year.

The striker has previously stated that he may not renew his contract, which expires at the end of next season, with a view to returning to Argentina and Boca Juniors.

“The topic of Carlos’ contractual situation will be addressed in a year, not before that,” Kia Joorabchian is reported as saying by Tuttomercatoweb.

“Then we’ll see. Carlitos has told me that at the moment he only wants to concentrate on the Scudetto, the Champions League and everything he can win with Juventus.

“Tevez really wants to win everything, two more League titles with Juventus, and of course the Champions League, which is his dream.”

[Socrates 8441]

Tevez: 'All for Juve until Boca'

Jan 31, 2015

Carlos Tevez confirmed he will “defend the Juventus jersey till death,” but then return to Boca Juniors in 2016.

The Argentine’s current contract expires in June 2016 and he has never disguised his intention to return home in the final years of his career.

“The Number 10 will always belong to Alessandro Del Piero, but I will defend the Juventus jersey till death. I think of the club symbol on the front. That is the biggest responsibility,” he told Tuttosport.

“The future is for me already done and dusted. When I signed with Juventus I was very clear to the directors that it would be my last contract before my return to Boca. However, first I want to win everything here.

“The Champions League is everyone’s dream. We believe that we can go forward, as Juve have four or five real champions supported by a great team. Paul Pogba has the right mind-set and he will become a champion.

“The Scudetto will be a battle side by side with Roma until the very end.”

Tevez confessed to being “surprised” that Antonio Conte quit Juve just one day into pre-season training, but has now adapted well to Max Allegri.

“All the Juventini struggled to comprehend Conte’s decision at first. There was uncertainty at that time and we were worried. I always focused only on training.

“With Allegri we changed tactical system, but not the spirit of the squad. With him I have more freedom on the pitch.”

There are reports Daniel Osvaldo could return to Juventus on loan from Inter after his furious row with the Nerazzurri.

“I read that Juventus want him and that makes me happy,” added Tevez. “He is a great friend. He’s a good lad really, just more hot-blooded than others... He has to learn to control himself more. He certainly couldn’t get away with that sort of thing here, because Juve don’t mess about.”

[Socrates 8441]

Tevez: I'm still leaving Juventus for Boca Juniors next year

The Argentine is a real fan favourite in Turin but he has no intention
of going back on his longstanding plan to finish his career at La Bombonera.

Jan 31, 2015

Carlos Tevez had made it clear that he has not intention of extending his stay at Juventus and will return to Boca Juniors when his contract expires in 2016.

The Argentine penned a three-year contract upon joining the Bianconeri in the summer of 2013 and adapted wonderfully well to life in Serie A, firing the Old Lady to the Scudetto last season.

Tevez has proven even more prolific this term, with 13 goals in 19 league games, meaning the Juve faithful are understandably desperate to see the striker extend his stay in Turin.

However, the 30-year-old is intent on rejoining his first professional club, Boca, and is annoyed that the media have created such a furore over his future, given he never made a secret of his plan to return to La Bombonera.

"I've already said it many times," he told Tuttosport. "For me, this discussion is closed.

"When I signed for three years with Juve, I said from the start, also to the club, that this would be my last contract before returning to Boca. But nobody said anything.

"Then, I said the same things again, including the fact I would return home at the end of my contract.

"But the problem is that when there is no news, they try to pull something out of nowhere.

"However, before leaving, I want to win it all here."

[Socrates 8441]

Tevez: Ballon d'Or win impossible in Serie A now

The Argentine cannot imagine himself winning the prestigious
individual award, but is keen to make history in other ways with Juventus.

Feb 4, 2015

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez believes it will be nearly impossible for a player in Serie A to win the Ballon d'Or right now.

The Argentina international has been in sublime form this season and currently leads the Italian goal scoring charts with 13 goals in 20 appearances.

Nevertheless, the 30-year-old gives himself little chance of ever winning the prestigious individual award.

"Winning the Ballon d'Or is difficult, especially given that in Italy football is different," Tevez told JTV.

"There aren't as many goals in Serie A as elsewhere."

Juventus are on course to win their fourth consecutive Scudetto, holding a seven-point lead over second-placed Roma at the moment, and Tevez is keen to make history with the Turin giants.

"Winning four consecutive championships is not an easy feat, especially in such a tactical and physical league.

"If we were to secure our fourth Serie A title on the spin, we'll be making even more history."

Tevez enjoyed successful spells at West Ham United, Manchester United and Manchester City before joining Juventus in 2013 and he has fond memories of his time in England.

"I think the Premier League is the best league to play in. But here in Italy you run more and it all comes down to tactics."

[Socrates 8441]

Tevez: ‘We want to make history’

Feb 4, 2015

Juventus' Carlos Tevez discusses Max Allegri's formation, playing with the national team and targeting a fourth Scudetto.

The Bianconeri failed to extend their seven-point lead on Roma after the 0-0 draw against Udinese last Sunday, but their Argentinean striker was not discouraged.

In an interview with JTV, he discussed his aim to win the Scudetto and make it into Juventus' hall of fame.

“My objective is to be the champion of Italy with Juventus,” said Carlitos in the interview today.

“Winning all three competitions would be a dream, but I think winning the fourth Scudetto, in today's football, is no easy task.

“I believe we'll make history if we win this year, but Juventus will always remain in history. The players, all of them, will be part of the highest history of the club.”

Tevez was asked about playing in Max Allegri’s new formation.

“The new formation is different, it lets us do other things in the pitch and this shows. When we defend with the 4-3-1-2 the Coach asks us to act in a way, but when we have possession we do what we know.

“[Former Coach Antonio] Conte played with a formation that he liked, with two strikers close to each other. I like the current formation best because I can do what I feel like doing in the pitch, I have greater freedom.”

The former Manchester City man was also asked about what his favourite goal was for Juventus and what it felt like to play for the national team again.

“The goal that gave me the greatest emotion was my first against Milan at San Siro. The most beautiful in terms of play, I think the one against Parma. But my first goal against Milan remains the most exciting.

“I mentioned the emblem of Juventus, but when you wear the shirt of the national team, of your own people, there's another kind of pressure.

“I was very happy and proud to return to playing for the national team. Thanks to the great work that I did with Juventus I have returned to the national team and now I am happy.

“I don't know how many kilometres I run over each game. For me what counts is the way of playing, the way of interpreting football. Each ball I see, I think it could be fundamental for the game. You never know which one it is, but you've got to fight for all of them.

“I have a positive outlook about the new arrivals. [Alessandro] Matri and [Paolo] De Ceglie are well known here, and the new signing [stefano Sturaro from Genoa] can do well for the team too.”

In closing, Tevez was asked to compare Italian and English football, having played for both clubs from Manchester, as well as West Ham United.

“I think in England playing is more fun, it's very physical. But here you run more than in England.

“In Italy it's more tactical than physical, in England there aren't so many tactics, you just run, run, run.

“They're more aggressive, but the referees give more space to play. Here, any aggressive contact results in a foul.”

[Socrates 8441]

Morata learning from 'world class' Tevez

The Spanish attacker has insisted that he is learning a lot from his
team-mate and has hailed his role in Juventus' successful season so far.

Feb 9, 2015

Alvaro Morata says he is proud to play alongside a "true champion" like Carlos Tevez in the wake of Juventus' 3-1 Serie A win over AC Milan on Saturday.

The duo both scored once in the reigning champions' victory at the Juventus Stadium, with Tevez netting the opener and Morata getting his side's third goal to effectively put the match to bed.

The Argentine leads the Serie A goalscoring charts with 14 goals in 21 appearances and Morata has stressed that he's learning a lot from his experienced team-mate.

"Carlos is a point of reference for any striker," Morata was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"I am learning so much from him. He is a true champion and a world class attacker.

"He is not only very strong in the technical aspect of the game, but he has great charisma as well and is able to transmit his desire to fight and win to the team."

Morata, 22, has scored five goals in 17 Serie A games since joining Juventus from Real Madrid ahead of this season.

[Socrates 8441]

Boca: ‘Tevez a year early’

Feb 19, 2015

Boca Juniors President Daniel Angelici hints that Juventus striker Carlos Tevez could join the club next season.

The striker has already hinted that he won’t renew his Juventus deal, which expires in 2016, in order to return to his homeland and his boyhood club.

However, in an interview with Fox Sports, the Argentinian club’s President says Tevez could arrive earlier.

“We talked to Carlitos on February 5, his birthday,” Angelici revealed.

“We hope for his return to Boca. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tevez resolved his contract with Juventus a year early to come and play for us.”

[Socrates 8441]

Allegri doesn't rule out Tevez departure

Feb 19, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri has pointedly refused to say whether or not Carlos Tevez will remain at Juventus until the end of his contract.

The striker is expected to re-join Boca Juniors when he leaves Juventus, with the President of the Argentine side declaring that he could even leave a year early.

Asked twice about the issue in his Press conference ahead of the visit of Atalanta, the Juventus Coach refused to be drawn.

“On Tevez, I can’t tell you anything,” Allegri responded, when asked about the player.

“He’s training well, he’s having an extraordinary season, and I think that the last few days of rest and individual work can only have been good for him.

“We’ll need him, so we have to get him ready for the second half of the season.

“Will he see out his contract? I don’t know. I live for today, this week, for this season in which we have to try to achieve the goals we’ve set ourselves.

“At the end of the season we’ll see, but I think Tevez is a great professional, and above all Tevez is a great man, so we’ll see what happens in the end.”

[Socrates 8441]

Tevez: ‘Pleasure to play with Pirlo’

Feb 24, 2015

Carlos Tevez says it’s a ‘pleasure’ to have Andrea Pirlo as a teammate, but names Paul Scholes as the best he’s played with.

The Argentinian striker has given a long interview to El Pais in his homeland where he discussed his upbringing, Juventus and the Champions League.

“When I was a child I used to play with pebbles,” Tevez told the publication.

“I never collected figurines of players, because I was very poor and I couldn’t afford them. Like all Argentinians I loved Diego [Maradona], but it’s impossible to equal God.

“I also really liked [Gabriel] Batistuta, being like him was much more attainable.

“I would not change my childhood for anything in the world, it helped me to become a righteous person and know what’s really important in life.

“As a child I was afraid of being kidnapped, I lived in the barrio, where crimes and drugs were the norm, and I’ve always had the utmost respect for the police.

“I learned by the rules of the street, that taught me how to be a man. School taught me very little, unlike the streets.”

Tevez has spent the last two seasons in Turin with Juventus, and says it’s not true that Serie A is weaker than the other top European leagues.

“We drew against the team which is second-last in the table [Cesena], it’s not easy for us to win games.

“Our opponents get a lot of men behind the ball and it’s very difficult to score. Serie A teams are very tactical, they defend very tightly, with five people or more.

“In England you don’t often see a defence with five men in it, the same is true of Spain. Here it’s different, it’s really difficult to score. You have to use your brains.“

"Juve is my second home, they’ve always treated me well, from the President right down, they’ve always made me happy. I’m doing well, and I feel like I’m in peak fitness as you can see from what I do on the field.

“Wearing Del Piero’s shirt? It’s a big responsibility, but not particularly for me, because I’ve always felt at home here.

“Adapting to Italy was difficult, especially in regard to the training, it’s very different here than in England, Brazil or Argentina.

“They’re very professional in Italy, they live for football. In England I’d already be home by 12 [in the afternoon].”

The former West Ham United man then discussed the differences between current Coach Massimiliano Allegri, and his predecessor Antonio Conte.

“With Allegri, I have more freedom of movement than under Conte. Under the previous Coach, we played with two strikers, in fixed positions and close together," Tevez explained.

“Under Allegri we only have a fixed position when we don’t have the ball, but we’re more free to play the way we want to play when we attack.

“Conte was demanding, a winner. You couldn’t relax for a second with him, either in training or during the game.

“Winning was everything for him, there was nothing else. Allegri is more relaxed, he gives us a rest, especially after a victory.

“Conte was already thinking about the next game after a win.

“This year, we play differently in the Champions League compared to last year; we’re mentally and physically prepared.

“This team is ready to take on anyone.

“Borussia? They’re a team with experience, they know these types of situations and how to play these games.

“What emotions do I get from football? Everything: joy, sadness, hatred, anger despair… the last time I cried was this summer, when we [Argentina] lost the World Cup [final].

“Playing with Pirlo is such a pleasure, one day I’ll be able to say: ‘I played with Pirlo’.

“The best I’ve played with, however, is Paul Scholes.”

[Socrates 8441]

Carlos Tevez: 'There were too many
big egos at Manchester United'

Feb 25, 2015

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has revealed that he never felt settled at Manchester United because there were too many "big egos" in the team.

The Argentina international spent two years at Old Trafford before joining local rivals Manchester City in 2009.

The 31-year-old's career at City came to an end four years later following his controversial decision to refuse to warm up for then-manager Roberto Mancini during a Champions League tie with Bayern Munich in 2011.

When asked by El Pais if he ever felt at home in England, Tevez said: "Not really at Manchester United because there were so many big egos there. At City I did, but I made a mistake and paid for it. I considered quitting football."

Tevez currently plies his trade in Italy for Juventus.

[Socrates 8441]

Juventus not giving up on Tevez stay, insists Marotta

The Turin side will do everything within their limits to convince
the Argentine attacker to sign a new deal with the Serie A leaders.

Mar 3, 2015

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has stressed that the Serie A side have not given up hopes of holding on to Carlos Tevez, while they are also keen for Gianluigi Buffon to stay put beyond the expiry date of his existing contract.

Buffon signed a new deal as recently as November last year to commit to the club until 2017, but Tevez's current deal with the Italian champions is due to expire in June 2016 and he recently hinted at a potential return to Boca Juniors.

Nevertheless, Juventus refuse to accept that the Argentine attacker will leave in the near future and are willing to go far to hold on to Tevez.

"We would like to extend the contracts of Buffon and Tevez," Marotta told reporters.

"They are an integral part of this Juventus. They are excellent players, true professionals.

"They decide their own future. From our side, a signed blank cheque is waiting for them.

"As for Tevez's individual situation, we have a desire to keep him at the club for many more years."

The attacker, 31, has netted 15 goals in 23 Serie A appearances so far in 2014-15.

[Socrates 8441]

Deja Vu! Tevez Replicates
Juventus Legend’s Free Kick

Mar 3, 2015

Carlos Tevez might have impressed many with his fine free kick against Roma on Monday night, however almost 32 years ago to the day a certain Juventus legend scored an almost identical effort.

The legend scoring for the Bianconeri way back on March 6, 1983 in a 2-1 win at the Stadio Olimpico was none other than Michel Platini and the similarities between the two are clear for all to see.

Despite the Bianconeri winning the game, they ultimately lost out in the race for the Scudetto to Roma who finished four points ahead of them. This allowed the Giallorossi to celebrate their second league title in their history.

Even the goalkeepers react (well just stand and watch) in an eerily similar manner and they even took place at the same end of the ground!

[Socrates 8441]

Tevez: 'Juve lead not enough'

Mar 7, 2015

Carlos Tevez warned nine points “isn’t enough” for Juventus to break away from Roma, while he considers a gift to fans.

The striker spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of Monday night’s match against Sassuolo.

“I don’t think this is a difficult time for us, we just need to step up the tempo a little and finish games off earlier,” said the Apache.

“No matter what some people say, nine points isn’t enough of an advantage over Roma to relax. We have to speed up and get the Scudetto under lock and key as soon as possible.”

Tevez has made no secret of his desire to join Boca Juniors in future, maybe even as early as next season, and this week gifted the supporters a huge flag.

“I would love to give one to the Juventus fans too, as the Stadium is missing a flag that big. I might have ‘Fino alla fine’ – all the way to the end – written on it too.”

[Socrates 8441]

Carlos Tevez grew up around drugs and murder in Argentina

Mar 13, 2015

Carlos Tevez insists he doesn’t feel the pressure of wearing the Juventus number 10 shirt, and discusses his upbringing.

The forward inherited the shirt from Alessandro Del Piero when he arrived in Turin, and it has also been graced by the likes of Roberto Baggio and Michel Platini.

“Is it a pressure? I personally don’t feel that it is,” Tevez told fifa.com

Although it’s important to me, I don’t pile any additional pressure on myself when I pull on a shirt that so many Juve idols have worn before me.

“From the start, I haven’t pressured myself to feel worthy of the No10 jersey. You’d just go mad and be unable to do your job properly otherwise.

“After spending eight years in Manchester I received a very warm welcome to Turin.

“The people are very easy-going, in contrast to other parts of Italy such as Rome or Naples, where passions run much higher.

“Life’s very good here and it’s where I’ve found it easiest to adapt. That’s also because of the language, which I understand a bit better. In England that was so hard for me.

“I’ve always missed friends and family, right from the start. Luckily I get plenty of visitors so I’m not always alone.

“My old mates have always been there for me no matter where I’ve been. Imagine my pals from Fuerte Apache in England!

“I have countless stories. Every time we went out something funny happened, usually involving the language. It’s always good fun.”

Fuerte Apache, where Tevez grew up, is a tough neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, and Tevez discusses his upbringing, remembering his former best friend Dario Coronel, another talented footballer who fell into crime and eventually commited suicide after a stand-off with police.

“It’s tough to make people understand what that life is like if they haven’t been through the same things as I or the other people from that neighbourhood have experienced.

“Therefore people can make of it what they want. You simply can’t get inside the heads of other people and say to them, 'Look, I went through some rough times’.

“It’s impossible to explain everything the streets taught me, and that was quite a lot.

“My whole childhood was hard, so it wasn’t a matter of any individual incident. I lived in a place where drugs and murder were part of everyday life.

“Experiencing difficult things, even as a very young kid, means you grow up quickly. I think that enables everyone to choose their own path and not just accept the one others have taken before you, and I went my own way.

“I never condoned drugs or murder, and luckily I was able to make a choice.

“Coronel? I don’t think you can say that he wasn’t lucky enough to be able to choose. As I’ve said already, everyone decides for themselves what they’re going to do.

“He had everything he needed to be just as successful [as me], but he chose a different path – criminality and drugs – and that ultimately meant that he is no longer with us.

“I truly believe that everyone chooses their own route through life, and he – and this has nothing to do with luck – chose the easier option.

“He is, or was, my best friend. We were together 24 hours a day, even though we later went to different clubs and things like that. But we were always together, all day long.

“People live in fear nowadays. Previously criminals had principles of sorts: they’d rob you but then they’d let you go. Now they’re all on drugs – you give them your belongings and they kill you anyway.

“Youngsters today no longer have the values I remember. In the past they would risk their necks by heading out, swiping something and then going home again – that was it.

“Today the lads who go stealing are all on drugs. They’re still taking a risk but in a different way. Now they’re only thinking about their own lives and not those of other people.

“We need to show people who think like this that there are good kids in Fuerte Apache and Ciudad Oculta too, just like in every Argentinian city. Not all people are bad.

“I got out of there and there are others who were able to escape that situation too. It’s not easy for anyone. In fact, it’s unbelievably difficult to get out of there.

“But everyone’s fate is in their own hands, as I always say. You have to prove to people that we’re not all the same.

“Did Fuerte Apache make me the player I am? I don’t know if there’s a connection there.

“I always say that whereas previously I played with the ball, now I play football, and that’s something different entirely. But I don’t know whether my circumstances have made me the kind of player I am. It’s possible.”

[Socrates 8441]

West Ham Plots Tevez Return

Mar 16, 2015

West Ham are reportedly monitoring the situation of Juventus striker Carlos Tevez, with eyes on the Argentine making a sensational return to England.

Tevez played for West Ham in the 2006-07 season, helping the club to secure safety in the English Premier League. Although Tevez has often spoken of a return to Argentina with Boca Juniors, other European clubs would on the trail of the striker.

Along with Paris Saint-Germain, West Ham would be the latest candidate to have voiced interest in Tevez according to the Mail on Sunday.

Tevez’s contract with Juventus is due to run for another season, ending in June 2016.

[Socrates 8441]

Sacchi Claims Tevez Is Better Than Baggio

Mar 19, 2015

Arrigo Sacchi is courting controversy once more, albeit in a less volatile manner, by suggesting that Carlos Tevez is a better footballer than Roberto Baggio.

He was giving his opinion off the back of the Argentine striker’s two goal salvo and assist which saw him help Juventus eliminate Borussia Dortmund from the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Speaking to Sportmediaset about Tevez, his thoughts soon wandered to The Divine Ponytail: “Tevez is an extraordinary player who is lethal in front of goal and always available to help his teammates in difficult times.

“He has great strength but is also unselfish and is certainly the leader of this Juventus team. Roberto Baggio was equipped with clear quality and class but he had more drawbacks than the Argentine.

“Tevez, thanks to his physical qualities and rock solid mentality, is always looking to help his teammates as I said. It is not easy to do that at this level.”

Sacchi would seem more equipped than most to make the claim having coached Baggio during his time in charge of the Italian national team, most notably at the 1994 World Cup.

[Socrates 8441]

Tevez: 'I'd prefer Real or Barca'

Mar 22, 2015

Carlos Tevez insists Juventus would’ve preferred Real Madrid or Barcelona to Monaco in the Champions League.

Juve are progressing in the Champions League and will face Monaco in the quarter-finals, but the Argentine is not pleased.

“I would’ve preferred Real Madrid or Barcelona. Now everyone thinks Juve are already in the semi-final, but that is not the case.

“Every game is difficult and Monaco are very strong opponents. We could go out if we fail to be fully prepared for this appointment.”

The striker spoke to Sky Sport Italia after his decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Genoa.

“I am happy here and everyone knows that. I don’t want to talk about my future, as I am giving my all for Juventus.

“When I got in that position, I knew that I could score and aimed for under the crossbar.”

[Socrates 8441]

Carlos Tevez: A Worthy Heir To Del Piero At Juventus

The Argentine striker has been in sparkling form this season, powering
the Bianconeri forward and writing a new page in the club’s history of great No.10s.

Mar 22, 2015

Following his Champions League heroics against Borussia Dortmund, when Carlos Tevez joined the illustrious company of Alessandro Del Piero and Roberto Baggio by scoring at the Westfalenstadion after just 136 seconds, the Argentine has caught up to another of his predecessor’s record.

It took 25 minutes for Tevez to break the deadlock against Genoa. The striker sprinted down the right and smashed his shot at Mattia Perin’s near-post, as the ball flew off the crossbar and in.

This is the kind of form Tevez has been in lately, often the protagonist for Juventus and the man to open the scoring.

The Argentina striker has scored his 24th goal of in all competitions in Juventus’ 1–0 win over Genoa. It means Tevez has already scored more goals so far than he did in all of last season (20) and that with 10 games to go in Serie A, Juventus still contesting a Coppa Italia semi-final and the Champions League quarter-finals still to come.

The man they call El Apache doesn’t just do in picking open tight locks however; he very much smashes them open instead. The hunger and industry with which he plays have been in phase with the promise he made upon receiving the hallowed No.10 shirt in 2013.

“It’s an important responsibility because it is a number that has been worn by champions. The biggest challenge for me is to bring forward and do a great job with Juventus,” Tevez said.

“He is a person and a player that I greatly respect. For me it is an honor to wear his shirt,” Tevez said of the former owner Alessandro Del Piero.

Indeed, being from Argentina where the cultura de diez (the culture of the No.10) is so ingrained in football, Tevez will have been well aware of the shirt he was inheriting.

More crucially than his 24 goals so far being his best in Turin however, Tevez matched on Sunday Del Piero’s 24 goals for Juventus in 2007-08, which had been the highest tally since David Trezeguet’s 29 in 2005-06.

Trezeguet himself backed “the beautiful animal” Tevez as deserving the No.10 shirt, as well as teammate Lenoardo Bonucci voiced his confidence that the Argentine would honour it.

Tevez’s goal against Genoa was just another outstanding goal to match his even more impressive mid-week strike against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

But Tevez’s impact on Juventus is not limited to just his wonderful strikes. His attitude and work rate are by far the more impressive parts of Tevez’s game. Arturo Vidal received a blow and went down against Genoa, but the referee signaled to play on; with his teammate out of position, Tevez sprinted back 40 yards to fill in the gap in central midfield and won the ball back.

Tevez is a synthesis of the genius soloist and the perfect teammate. He is relentless in his effort and irresistible in front of goal. For all his goals however, it might just be his attitude that endears Tevez so much to fans.

Indeed it is often what has been most remembered from all the clubs he has left.

Juventus fans will always remember Michel Platini’s guile, Liam Brady’s left foot, Baggio’s ponytail, and Del Piero’s artistry; but when his contract comes to an end in 2016, the Bianconeri faithful are sure to never forget Tevez’s grinta (fighting spirit).

[Socrates 8441]

Tevez: Juventus must wrap up Serie A title as soon as possible

The attacker aims to decide the Serie A title quickly as he is keen
to shift his focus to the Champions League quarter-final tie with Monaco.

Mar 23, 2015

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez is desperate for his team to wrap up the Serie A title as soon as they can to allow them to turn their attention to the Champions League.

Massimiliano Allegri's men enjoyed a 1-0 win over Genoa on Sunday, with Tevez netting the only goal of the game as well as missing a penalty in Turin.

Juve are 14 points clear at the top with 10 league games remaining as they look to seal a fourth straight title.

Tevez is eager to see the league wrapped up and focus turned to the Champions League, where Juve will face Monaco in the quarter-finals.

"We are in a good shape, we are in excellent form and this is the most important thing," the Argentine told reporters.

"We have to win the title as soon as possible and focus on the Champions League."

Tevez struck in the 25th minute against Genoa, bursting into the area before firing a powerful shot in off the crossbar.

He had a chance to complete his brace shortly after the hour-mark, but a diving Eugenio Lamanna palmed away his penalty.

"This is the second time I've missed a penalty, the first time was against Napoli," Tevez added.

"The most important thing is that Juventus got these three points and we keep winning."

[Socrates 8441]

Tevez Juventus Exit Looking More Likely

Mar 24, 2015

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez reportedly already has an agreement in place to return to Boca Juniors.

Earlier this season the 31-year-old hinted at his desire to return to his native Argentina at the end of his current contract in Turin in June 2016, but now it appears that this may now be more than just a suggestion.

Calciomercato.com claims that the former Manchester City man already has an agreement in place to return to the club where he started his career, and this could even happen this summer, a year earlier than expected.

In February Boca president Daniel Angelici told Fox Sports that he believes the Argentinean international could make the move at the end of this season.

“We talked to Carlitos on February 5, his birthday,” he said.

“We hope for his return to Boca. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tevez resolved his contract with Juventus a year early to come and play for us.”

The player would represent a big loss for the Old Lady, as the striker has already scored 24 goals in just 33 appearances in all competitions so far this season, including the winner against Genoa last Sunday.

[Socrates 8441]

Stick or twist with Tevez?

While Carlos Tevez continues to prove his worth for Juventus, his future
remains uncertain. Luca Cetta asks if the Bianconeri should push to keep him.

Mar 27, 2015

When it comes to Juventus and transfers, the future of Paul Pogba is an ever-present source of media and fan discussion. As the midfielder continues to dazzle, intrigue and speculation only intensify. So too do the suitors from Europe’s biggest clubs. But there’s another player just as valuable to Juventus with an uncertain future.

Carlos Tevez has proven an example for others in Bianconero to follow. He’s a player who shoulders responsibility yet also puts in the hard yards. Tevez is a menace, a player who haunts defenders – whether running at them or after them.

Go back to the summer of 2013 and questions were asked about how this ‘loose cannon’ would fit into the fabric in Turin. His spell at Manchester City ended far from amicably. And Tevez would be wearing the No.10 shirt vacated by Alessandro Del Piero. Misguided furore followed, to which Tevez shrugged: “In truth I feel absolutely no pressure. I don’t think about the shirt number at all.”

One number El Apache is concerned with is his goal tally. He struck 19 times in his debut season – only Ciro Immobile and Luca Toni netted more often. After two seasons of mediocre returns from his attack, Antonio Conte had a striker who could find the net regularly. Where Juve’s top scorers scored 10 goals the previous two seasons, Tevez passed that mark by Christmas. The former Manchester United striker is on track to better last season’s total. That superb individual effort against Genoa last Sunday was his 16th in Serie A.

He’s also improved significantly in Europe. Tevez went goalless as the Turin club crashed out of the Champions League group stage last term and netted just once in the subsequent Europa League campaign. Breaking his five-year Champions League drought on Matchday 1 this season against Malmo signalled a new dawn. Tevez netted three of Juve’s five goals against Borussia Dortmund to take his tally to six.

He has a knack for decisive strikes, including opening the scoring both home and away in the Round of 16. The Argentinian has directly altered the result 15 times from his total of 24 goals in all competitions.

Having proven his importance, Bianconeri fans are understandably concerned about what lies ahead. The striker’s contract is due to expire at the end of next season and Tevez has not shied from his desire to end his career back in Argentina with Boca Juniors. There have even been whispers a move could happen at the end of this season. “Over a year and half, things can change. But right now his idea is [Tevez will return next year],” Boca president Daniel Angelici told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport in January. “I was amazed when he said that right now he does not think he will renew his contract with Juventus.”

General manager Giuseppe Marotta spoke of the situation on Wednesday: “Carlos has a contract until 2016 and we still haven’t talked about it. We owe him much, but he owes much to the club too. If he chooses to leave Juve, we’ll have to adapt ourselves.”

Should Juventus be fighting harder to extend his contract for a further season? Tevez is the sort of player they won’t want to lose easily. The Argentina international has proven his worth in Serie A and as they continue to progress in Europe he can still play a big part. Nor can a player of his ilk be replaced with ease. The Old Lady has promising players amongst her ranks, but Tevez is a guarantee.

That said, it is worth considering Tevez will be 32 when his contract expires, putting him at a delicate age for renewals. Would they be getting as much from his reported €4.5 million wage as previously? As Tevez gets older, his usefulness over three competitions will begin to wane. A player who relies on his engine as much as his ability, he is bound to suffer with each passing season. And would a renewal hamper other pursuits on the transfer front?

Balancing these positives and negatives is something Marotta and Massimiliano Allegri will discuss, because on current form he remains integral. They may not have a choice if Tevez - free to talk to clubs next January - decides he wants to go home. Much can happen in 18 months and perhaps that’s why Juve remain coy at present. After three years it may boil down to desire.

[Socrates 8441]

Why Carlos Tevez Was Juventus' Standout Performer in March

Apr 1, 2015

March was a superb month for Juventus, the Bianconeri recording some impressive results as the 2014-15 season nears its conclusion for the reigning Italian champions. Holding nearest rivals AS Roma to a draw at the start of the month, Massimiliano Allegri’s men followed that up with league wins over Sassuolo, Palermo and Genoa to open a 14 point lead over the rest of Serie A.

That margin virtually guarantees the club will now lift a fourth consecutive domestic crown, and impressive performances in Europe have followed, with a quarter-final clash with AS Monaco awaiting them in April.

To reach that stage, Juventus handily dispatched Borussia Dortmund, recording a 2-1 victory in Turin before travelling to Germany where they would register a comprehensive 3-0 win over Jurgen Klopp’s side. The 2012 finalists may not be at their best, but the ruthless efficiency shown by La Madama bodes well for the future, particularly as the likes of Arturo Vidal and Alvaro Morata hit their best form.

Netting in both legs against Borussia Dortmund, the Spanish striker has taken his tally for the season to 11 goals in all competitions, quickly supplanting Fernando Llorente as the first-choice striker in Allegri’s 4-3-2-1 formation. Meanwhile, the previously struggling Vidal has slowly begun to perform at the world-class levels shown in his previous three seasons at the club, as discussed in this earlier column.

Also crucial to that impressive string of results has been Andrea Barzagli’s comeback from the injuries which have kept him out of the side since last summer’s World Cup. With four clean sheets in his four appearances, the importance of the 33-year-old defender simply cannot be understated, once again adding an assured air to the Bianconeri back line.

Yet even the contributions of that trio pale in significance compared to that made by Carlos Tevez, the play of the Argentinian striker essential to every positive performance by Juventus. It started with that 1-1 draw away to AS Roma, the 31-year-old opening the scoring with a beautiful free-kick to hand the visitors a 64th-minute lead.

He would then lead from the front in the following two matches, his tireless running and infectious work ethic rubbing off on his team-mates, as the Bianconeri recorded narrow 1-0 wins over both Palermo and Sassuolo. While the goals came from Morata and Paul Pogba, Tevez’s presence was essential in each game and the side looks infinitely more threatening when the former Manchester City captain is on the field.

That was never more accurate than in the win over Borussia Dortmund, a game in which Tevez was undoubtedly the key figure, scoring twice and creating the other in Juve’s three-goal victory. Playing the perfect counter-attacking game, Tevez scored with both his shots in the match, while his running was a constant thorn in the side of the German outfit.

His excellent form continued in the team’s final March fixture, scoring yet another sublime goal to lift the Bianconeri over a resolute Genoa squad at Juventus Stadium. That strike took his tally for the campaign to 24 in all competitions, while he has also weighed in with a team-high eight assists, displaying an unselfish streak that typifies everything about his play since arriving in Turin in the summer of 2013.

He may have missed a penalty in the game with Genoa that would have made the win more comfortable, but he had once again proven to be the difference-maker for Allegri’s side, but after the game the conversation immediately turned to the fact his contract expires next summer.

“I am happy here and everyone knows that,” Tevez told Sky Italia shortly after the final whistle (h/t Football Italia). “I don’t want to talk about my future, as I am giving my all for Juventus.” That discussion is likely to continue until he either signs a new deal or leaves the club, and was the topic of this previous column.

Nevertheless, with those superb displays to his name, Carlos Tevez was undoubtedly the standout performer for Juventus in March, and deserves huge credit for the impact he continues to have.

[Socrates 8441]

PSG target Tevez?

Apr 3, 2015

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez is a target for Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports in France.

The Argentinian international is the Bianconeri’s top scorer this season, and is expected to return to Boca Juniors when his contract expires in 2016.

Despite this, French newspaper Le Parisien is stating today that the Ligue 1 champions are preparing an offer for Tevez if Ezequiel Lavezzi leaves this summer.

The paper claims that PSG would be willing to pay €15m as a transfer fee, as well rewarding the striker with €5.5m per season, a €1m increase on his current salary.

The former Manchester City has 26 goals in all competitions for the Old Lady this season, including six in eight Champions League games.

[Socrates 8441]

Carlos Tevez in line to return for Monaco clash

Apr 9, 2015

Juventus forward Carlos Tevez should be fit in time for the Champions League quarterfinal tie with Monaco on Tuesday, according to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

Tevez was left out of Juve's 3-0 win at Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday night due to an injury he picked up that morning in their final training session. He was sent back to Turin immediately for tests and, although he has not trained since, the Bianconeri are hopeful he will be fit for next Tuesday.

"As a precautionary measure, Tevez underwent tests which did not reveal any tears," the Serie A leaders said in a statement on their official website. "He will follow an individual training plan in order to aid his recovery from muscle tiredness."

La giornalaccio rosa reports Tevez will miss Saturday's match against Parma in Serie A to focus on making a full recovery for Tuesday.

Andrea Pirlo could also miss the Parma game to concentrate on being 100 percent fit to face Monaco, while Stephan Lichtsteiner has undergone tests on a thigh strain that saw him also miss the game in Florence. There are currently no concerns that he will not be fit for Tuesday, with only Andrea Barzagli rated doubtful.

"Barzagli has been diagnosed with a slight overburdening of the soleus muscle, but there are no tears," Juve's statement added. "His condition will be monitored constantly, but he is a doubt for Parma."