Tevez shows his true colours. Again.

It's easy to see why so many people are becoming more and more disillusioned with the game of football, or rather its "stars". No longer are many players wanting to play for the love of the game, it seems, or even for the love of the club. Of course, we will always have the Steven Gerrards, John Terrys, Gary Nevilles, Ryan Giggses and Jamie Carraghers of the world, but all it takes is one to make the average football fan's heart sink.


Emmanuel Adebayor and Ashley Cole both left a club that seemed to have treated them quite well, to both fire a barrage of abuse back at it. Cole, when he left Arsenal, seemed to have forgotten that they had helped nurture him towards becoming one of the best full-backs in the word. Adebayor left the Emirates, and spent more time goading the Arsenal players and fans than winning over the Manchester City faithful.


It would be foolish to hope that all players are faithful servants to their club, and only move on for the right reasons, but isn't there some sort of etiquette any more? An etiquette that Luis Figo, Sol Campbell, Michael Owen or Kenny Miller (twice) could have had a lesson in? Is it just me, though, or did those players seem to do it with a bit of dignity, albeit the slightest bit of dignity?


And then there was Wayne Rooney, who seemed to take it to new levels. I don't want to go over all that again - I've already had my tuppence worth - but it was a wholly depressing scenario; Wayne Rooney holding one of the world's biggest football clubs to ransom. Manchester United have only Sir Alex Ferguson to thank for somehow managing to keep him at the club whilst completely belittling his approach to the transfer talks.


If you're not already aware of why I'm so frustrated and annoyed on this crisp (I think, I haven't been out to check), December, Sunday afternoon, check a paper, go to your favourite sports website, or just type 'Carlos Tevez' into Google. And your heart will sink - well, if you can put aside any allegiances you have and think of it as a purely football matter.


At Manchester United, Tevez felt as though he was bigger than the club - a la Rooney? - and he duly succumbed to the money on the table over at Eastlands. Tevez isn't in it for the money, obviously. Just ask West Ham! But off he went, leaving behind the fans who absolutely adored him ("Fergie, sign him up" etc.). And without a second thought, signed for their newly-loaded city rivals.


Manchester City didn't exactly cover themselves in glory either, acting like one of those snotty families who come into money, leave the council estate, and act as though they always belongs in the upper echelons. And the fickle finger of football was quickly pointed at City fans. But who can blame them, Tevez has scored almost 40 goals in 60 games for the club - a phenomenal return.


Although it's been his conduct which leaves a lot to be desired. Who can forget the taunting of United when he scored against his old team? Straight out of the Adebayor book of idiocy, it was another case of wondering why he didn't celebrate with his fans and his team-mates. Had he, like Adebayor, signed for City only to prove a point to his former employers? And if not, what better way to prove the sceptics wrong than to see out the five year contract you've signed?


Or just a year and a half of it.


There were signs of unrest only a week or so ago, when he was substituted against West Brom. This has clearly set a good example for players such as Mario Balotelli. And now poor Carlos is homesick and wants to leave. It really isn't surprising that there has been so much disharmony and petulance at City this season. Tevez is club captain!


It's a despicable transfer request. Regardless of whether he really is just homesick or not, it's an appalling lack of respect to Manchester City and their fans. And it serves to increase the worrying trend that players can now just pick and choose wherever they want to be, when they want to play, and when they fancy chucking the toys out.


City have rejected the request. But even with the billions in reserve, they cannot keep Tevez in Manchester if he doesn't want to be there. And perhaps that is the most worrying thing of all.