Mancini won’t block Tevez move

CARLOS TEVEZ’S future at Manchester City continues to be shrouded in uncertainty as the dust settles on Saturday’s FA Cup triumph.

City manager Roberto Mancini has reiterated he would not block Tevez’s departure if the captain no longer wants to remain at Eastlands.

However, Mancini denies telling the Argentinian striker he can leave and would like to see him continue his career with the FA Cup holders.

“I never said that Carlos wanted to go to Italy. He has a fabulous contract with us. He’s our captain and is an important player for us,” said the Italian. “I don’t know if he was saying goodbye after the game on Saturday, you’d have to ask him.

“It’s important to work with a team if you believe in the project. If I’m not happy, I leave. This is true for everyone in every job.

“For me, he stays here. He wants to stay. I’ve spoken with him and he said to me, ‘why you say I want to leave?’

“I told him I never said that. Never! I believe he wants to stay.”

City, who have qualified for next season’s Champions League, dispatched Stoke 1-0 at Wembley to lift their first trophy in 35 years.

City face Stoke again tonight in their rearranged Premier League clash where victory would see them overtake Arsenal and move into third place — a scenario that, should City hold on to the position, would rule out the need to pre-qualify for the Champions League.

In the longer-term, Mancini hopes the silverware will instil his players with the confidence to challenge for the title, though he accepts it will be difficult.

“If you don’t believe in yourself and your job, it’s difficult. This victory will help me and the players improve.

“It’s difficult to win a championship in the first year, unless you are Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid or Barcelona.

“If you take another team you need time to do it. After winning this cup next year maybe we can play for the top with United.

“I believe in this project because we have the chance to buy big players like United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the past. I don’t know if we can win the title next year because it will be hard, but it is possible to arrive at this target. I believe this team can stay together for a long time.”