Zabaleta - We'd welcome Carlos

Argentine insists team-mates are ready to put past to bed

Last Updated: February 14, 2012 9:32am

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Pablo Zabaleta (L) would welcome Carlos Tevez (R) back into the Manchester City squad

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Pablo Zabaleta believes compatriot Carlos Tevez would be accepted back into the Manchester City fold by his team-mates should he resolve his dispute with the club this week.

The striker remains absent without leave in his native Argentina at present, but his camp have indicated that there has been a "thawing" in the frosty relationship between player and club in recent days.

Indeed, it has been suggested that Tevez will return to England in the next few days and could even resume training this week provided he makes peace with City boss Roberto Mancini.

Zabaleta admits the stand-off involving Tevez has been an unwelcome distraction for the squad, but feels the players would forgive their team-mate if he is handed another chance.

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"He would be welcomed by the players, because it was a difficult situation for everybody. But most important is that we are doing well as a team," Zabaleta stated.

Very calm

"I miss Carlos and we haven't seen him for a long time. In this situation we have to be very calm.

"People talk too much about it, for sure, about when he will be back, but we have to concentrate and be focused on what we are doing.

"This situation has been crazy for everybody, for the players, the club and especially for Carlos.

"If we see him coming back this week, it depends on the manager's decision whether he is given another chance or not.

"As a player, if he comes back he will be another player in the squad. We know him but I think we have to be very strong in this moment, to be focused on what we are doing."