Tevez withdraws transter request, to stay at City

Manchester: Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez withdrew his transfer request on Monday following "clear-the-air talks" that the club hopes will remove any instability as it chases the Premier League title.

City announced that Tevez's contract, which has 3½ years to run, remains unchanged and that the Argentina international has "expressed his absolute commitment to the club."

Tevez retained the captaincy for Monday's game against Everton and received a warm reception from the home fans, but could not prevent his side slipping to a 2-1 loss that leaves City third, two points behind leader Manchester United.

The defeat soured the mood at Eastlands following the earlier news that Tevez, the club's top scorer and highest paid player, had had a dramatic change of heart.

Nine days previously, he rocked the club by demanding a move and claiming he had fallen out with Eastlands officials. Tevez's adviser also said the player was unhappy with the team's failure to qualify for the Champions League this season.

City, though, believed the transfer request — which it immediately refused to sanction — was motivated by Tevez's desire to secure a more lucrative contract with the club he joined in 2009 from Manchester United.

The standoff was reminiscent of Wayne Rooney's brief fallout with United in October, but unlike its fierce rival, City appears to have forced its star striker to back down without offering improved terms.

"Manchester City can confirm to its fans that 'clear the air' talks have been held with Carlos Tevez," the club said in a statement. "During the meeting Carlos expressed his absolute commitment to the club and formally withdrew his transfer request. Carlos' contract remains unchanged and both Carlos and the football club are keen to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead."

Tevez is seen as pivotal to City's hopes of winning the top flight title for the first time since 1968. His 10 league goals have put City on course for a top four finish and qualification for the Champions League.

"Carlos is a world class player whose contribution since he joined the club has been invaluable," City manager Roberto Mancini said. "I am pleased that we are now able to focus on pure football matters and to be able to look forward to Carlos continuing to play a significant role in the club's progress."

The statement contained no direct comment from the 26-year-old Tevez, and Mancini did not reveal what had prompted Tevez to change his mind.

"I think that it's not important," Mancini said "It's important that the situation was clear in this moment and everything went in a good way, that's important."