City, perceived as super-wealthy rookies among Europe’s streetwise establishment, were stung by the experience of seemingly being hoodwinked by Milan simply to suit the Italians’ own agenda, but power brokers at the Etihad Stadium believe that the Tévez saga has given the club the opportunity to project the message that lessons have been learn and acted upon.
While City’s position on Tévez is, first and foremost, based on Abu Dhabi’s desire not to allow high-profile players to dictate their own destiny, the decision of chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak to deliver a withering criticism of Milan’s strategy in attempting to sign the player was a pointed reference to City’s developing confidence among Europe’s superpowers.
Al Mubarak said: “As things stand AC Milan isn’t an option for Carlos Tévez. Mr [Adriano] Galliani [Milan vice-president] and his advisers have developed a misplaced sense of confidence from their premature discussions with Carlos and his advisers.
“If they want to be a consideration in this transfer window, they would do better to stop congratulating one another and begin to look at how they would meet our terms.”
By also praising the “professional approach” of Inter and PSG, Al Mubarak made clear City’s disdain for Milan’s attempts to agree a deal with Tévez – Galliani was pictured with Tévez and his representative in Brazil earlier this month – before any deal had been struck between the clubs.
City’s demand for a £28 million fee for Tévez remains their position, but Milan have been unwilling to offer more than a loan agreement with the possibility of a permanent deal at the end of the season.
Outwitting Galliani, a wily 67-year-old entrepreneur with a reputation for securing star players on cut-price deals – notably Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Barcelona and Robinho from City – would ensure enhanced kudos for City among their European rivals.
Striking a blow against Milan over Tévez would be viewed within the Etihad as a significant show of strength.