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Tevez Says 2009 City Move Fueled by United Broken Promises

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Carlos Tevez says his 2009 transfer to Manchester City was revenge for broken promises at Manchester United.
Tevez told Rio Ferdinand that Sir Alex Ferguson broke a promise to secure his permanent contract.
During Manchester City’s 2011/12 title celebrations, Tevez displayed a banner reading “RIP Fergie”.
United fans understood his move, believing Ferguson sidelined him to lower his transfer price.

History

The 1995 Bosman ruling by the European Court of Justice, sparked by French winger Jean-Marc Bosman, abolished transfer fees for out-of-contract players across Europe. Following the decision, Manchester United paid £15 million for Alan Shearer in 1996, illustrating clubs’ willingness to invest heavily despite new freedoms. Carlos Tevez’s 2009 transfer from Manchester United to Manchester City mirrors that era, as he blamed Sir Alex Ferguson and secured a £20 million deal. The precedent set by Bosman continues to shape English football’s transfer dynamics, prompting clubs to scrutinize contract promises and fueling intra-city rivalries.

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The 1995 Bosman ruling by the European Court of Justice, sparked by French winger Jean-Marc Bosman, abolished transfer fees for out-of-contract players across Europe. Following the decision, Manchester United paid £15 million for Alan Shearer in 1996, illustrating clubs’ willingness to invest heavily despite new freedoms. Carlos Tevez’s 2009 transfer from Manchester United to Manchester City mirrors that era, as he blamed Sir Alex Ferguson and secured a £20 million deal. The precedent set by Bosman continues to shape English football’s transfer dynamics, prompting clubs to scrutinize contract promises and fueling intra-city rivalries.

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