Carlos Tevez Manchester CityGetty Images

Carlos Tevez reveals he refused to learn English during time at Man City & Man Utd after Falklands War forced his uncle into alcoholism

  • Former Premier League forward never spoke English
  • Spent seven years at West Ham, United and City
  • Admits he had "a problem with English culture"

WHAT HAPPENED? Tevez, now 39, retired from playing in 2021 after finishing his career where he started it – at iconic Argentine club Boca Juniors. He played for West Ham, Manchester City and Manchester United in the Premier League, controversially crossing the Mancunian divide in 2009.

But he's revealed in a new interview that he had a 'cultural problem' with England because of what happened to his uncle in the Falklands War.

🏆 TOP STORY: Barca 'will do everything' to sign Messi

QUIZ: How well do you know your PL cult heroes?

🚨 MUST READ: The fall of Leicester as relegation looms

WHAT THEY SAID: Speaking on Spanish language radio station DSportsRadio, Tevez said: "I had a cultural problem with the English. I didn't want to learn English, I wanted them to learn Spanish. I have an uncle who played in River Plate. He played in the reserve team and when he was going to make his debut with the first team, he got called up to fight in the Falklands War. He suffered after that and became an alcoholic. That marked me a lot because he was very close to me."

Article continues below

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Tevez went on to say he never wanted to "get used to English culture" during his seven years in the Premier League and was there for work only. He once infamously told an Argentinian TV channel – when he was still City's captain – that he disliked everything about Manchester. He left the club soon after, under a cloud.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

Carlos Tevez Man City 2009-10Gettycarlos tevez 2022

WHAT NEXT? In 2022, Tevez had a five-month spell as manager of Argentinian club Rosario Central. It remains to be seen whether he continues to pursue his managerial career.

Advertisement