Argentina blew hot and cold in their World Cup qualifiers but if Carlos Tevez has his way Diego Maradona’s men will go in all guns blazing in their Group B opener against Nigeria on Saturday.
By Tuesday the two-time champions’ ‘Bull of the Pampas’ was not a confirmed starter but the signs are that the Albiceleste will step out with a three-pronged attack with the Manchester City forward in the mix.
He certainly warms the heart of his impetuous coach. “Tevez is like a son for me. I felt that the moment I met him. He has a hunger and a passion for football,” says Maradona of the man who left Old Trafford for the these days not so poor relation Manchester outfit, City, last year.
Now Maradona, is due to send Tevez into action alongside Lionel Messi and Real Madrid starlet Gonzalo Higuain.
Tevez appeals to Maradona in that he wears his heart on his sleeve and that endears him to supporters of the national side as they revelled in his eight goals, including one in the final, on the way to Olympic glory in 2004.
Tevez says he is raring to go. “For the national side I play for the sheer love of the shirt and not for money. I love this shirt, my country and my people. I couldn’t care less about the money side as I earn that in Europe,” Tevez says.
— AFP