UNITED KINGDOM: FOOTBALL - Argentine forward Carlos Tevez says he chose West Ham United over bigger English clubs because he can get more regular fooball

Argentina forward Carlos Tevez said on Saturday (September 2) that he chose West Ham United over bigger English clubs because he could get more regular football with them, "West Ham is a team where I can get a rhythm of playing, see what English football is all about," the World Cup striker told a news conference on the eve of Argentina's friendly against Brazil at Arsenal's Emirates stadium. He said he was not looking any further than West Ham despite media speculation the move was simply a stepping stone to bigger things in England or Europe. "First I want to do well for West Ham. I'm not concerned about playing in a big club. I just want to play," said Tevez, who along with Argentina team mate Javier Mascherano joined the Premier League club from Brazilian side Corinthians on Thursday. West Ham's bigger London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea were interested in Tevez and holding midfielder Mascherano but the striker said the West Ham option was the best. "The two (others) were interested but they had three or four forwards in my position. What I need is to play, get rhythm," Tevez said. He said he was not putting a time on his stay at West Ham, saying he needed to adapt to English football which he described as "not easy". There were no official figures for the double transfer, raising speculation in the media over the full details. Corinthians are owned by the MSI investment group that is believed to be trying again to buy into West Ham after a bid came to nothing last year. The pair left Corinthians under a cloud after falling out with the club and fans but Tevez, who had a contract with the Brazilians until December, said there were no hard feelings. "There's no resentment with Corinthians, with the people who supported me," Tevez said. "Sure, I didn't want to go out like that but the circumstances and promises not respected were the motive. "The directors showed a lack of respect towards me which is why I stopped going to training." New manager Alfio Basile, who toook over from Jose Pekerman after Argentina quarter-final exit at the 2006 World Cup, was excited to start his first chaarge against such strong opponents. "Obviously I am really happy to play against a powerful team like Brazil -- the two South American (heavyweights). A classic derby like this in England is very important. I am very happy and the players as well." Tevez added: "A match against Brazil is always special because of the rivalry that exists between the two sides. (But) I have no resentment against Corinthians or towards the people (fans), who always supported me. This (match) is something special because it is a South American classic" Basile, who left Argentina giants Boca Juniors, said his new Argentina side has a lot of potential. "It is an honour to work for the Argentina national team, for the Argentinian people. I am very motivated, full of desire. Some of the players I know, but some others not. I am just discovering a few kids because we have been working together only for two days so far. Some of the ones I did not know have superlative qualities. We hope that in tomorrow's match we'll see a little bit of that, their true class against a great rival like Brazil -- all this gives us great motivation."

ITN Source | September 2, 2006

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