Tevez - I don't care about boos

Tevez: Expects a fierce reception

Carlos Tevez has stoked the fires ahead of the Manchester derby by insisting that he does not care if he is booed when returning to Old Trafford.

"United fans can't say that I didn't give everything when I was there. Maybe some United fans still don't understand why I left."
Carlos Tevez Quotes of the week

The Argentine angered Manchester United fans by crossing to Manchester City in 2009 and he has since become a hero to those in blue.

City's famous 'Welcome to Manchester' sign when they signed Tevez also sparked fury, while the 27-year-old was previously involved in a spat with former United captain Gary Neville.

The striker, who handed in a transfer request earlier in the season before reversing his decision, is expecting another fierce afternoon when City visit United on Saturday in what is a crucial match in the battle for the Premier League title.

"I don't care if people boo me," Tevez said in the Daily Mirror. "It doesn't bother me and I'm not worried about going there.

"There was much booing last year, but I understand. As a supporter, you will defend your club and I play for the opposing team now.

Character

"United fans can't say that I didn't give everything when I was there. Maybe some United fans still don't understand why I left.

"But I'm a professional footballer and being booed is a price I must pay sometimes. It doesn't affect me at all."

Meanwhile, Tevez's City team-mate, Pablo Zabaleta, is hoping to inflict more pain on United in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson's side's shock defeat at Wolves last weekend.

The league leaders missed out on a club record of 30 matches unbeaten and are now aiming to extend a run without a defeat at Old Trafford which stretches back to early April 2010.

Tevez's fellow Argentinian said in The Sun: "I believe 100 per cent we can win because we show our character when we are in games that we really need to win.

"We know it will be very difficult. United are very strong and are unbeaten at home, so it would be great to break that record.

"Everyone is waiting for Saturday because we know it's one of the best games to play in and enjoy."