Shay: Tevez is no mercenary

NEW Aston Villa signing Shay Given has defended his former team-mate Carlos Tevez’s decision to leave Manchester City, saying the Argentina star is no “mercenary”.

Given, who was speaking at Aston Villa’s new kit launch with Casino firm Gentings, said he thought the former Manchester United striker would seal his move to Corinthians in the near future.

He said: “I think it looks like he’ll probably leave, but there’s lots of negotiating to go I think. I don’t think it’s mercenary. You’ve got to respect his decision. He’s got two young kids in Argentina and he sees them once every two months so it’s very difficult for him.”

Given added that people often see footballers as commodities, rather than people. He said: “He is one of the best players in the world and people forget there’s a human being behind that and he does have human feelings as well.

“I wish him well, he’s been a great player for Man City and he’ll be missed.”