Lionel Messi: Alex Ferguson regrets letting Carlos Tevez go

LIONEL Messi believes Sir Alex Ferguson regrets letting his Argentina team-mate Carlos Tevez move to Manchester City, who he believes are now only two world-class defenders away from winning the Premier League title.

Lionel Messi thinks Alex Ferguson regrets letting Carlos Tevez move to Manchester City Lionel Messi thinks Alex Ferguson regrets letting Carlos Tevez move to Manchester City

He said: “I am sure United and Ferguson regret letting Carlitos go, and if they had shown him more respect he would still be there.

“It was never about money for Carlitos – it was about respect and needing to feel wanted. And the truth is United made him feel unwanted while City have done everything they could do to make him feel wanted. It doesn’t matter how good you are or how much money you earn, it’s a basic human emotion to want to feel loved.

“I thought it would take City years to win the title, but looking at the players they now have I think they can do it, and Carlitos’ goals can fire them above Chelsea and United. When you look at Carlitos, Yaya Toure, David Silva and all the others you need to start taking them seriously.

“They have a great squad, a great manager and are probably two world-class defenders away from winning the title. Carlitos can be the most feared striker in Europe next year along with David Villa, and I expect him to score 30 league goals.”

Messi describes midfield anchorman Toure as ‘a beast’ and has tipped him to fully justify the £27million fee Manchester City paid to Barcelona this summer.

“It doesn’t matter who else City sign they will not get a better signing than Yaya. He is an absolute beast of a player and will dominate games for City. If City do end up winning the title this season, this will be the signing that does it for them.”

Of Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano, Messi said: “I think I upset Rafa Benitez when he was Liverpool manager by saying I wanted Javier at Barcelona. But it looks like Benitez is going to sign him again at Inter Milan. As soon as Rafa had gone Javier made up his mind that he would never play for Liverpool again.

“It was about success as well though. Even though Liverpool are a big club they have not been successful since Javier has been there and he knew he had to leave. He is one of the best players in his position in the world and I am sure he will have great success in what is already a very talented Inter team.”

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