Tevez: We didn't cause problems
By James Pearson - Created on 26 Apr 2007
Carlos Tevez has hits back at suggestions his and Javier Mascherano's arrival at West Ham United prompted the club's downturn in fortunes.
Tevez's comments come as the Premier League's two-day hearing begins to ascertain whether the deal to bring the duo to England broke third-party ownership transfer regulations.
If found guilty, The Hammers could even be docked points that would almost certainly guarantee relegation to the Championship.
After a hugely successful return to the Premiership last season, the capture of the Argentinian duo last August was expected to move the East Londoners to a new level.
However, the results did not come and shortly after Alan Pardew was sacked by their new Icelandic owners, Mascherano found himself on loan at Liverpool.
Tevez has stated the pair are not to blame and that he has only ever given his best for The Hammers.
"These problems have never been caused by us either because of the transfer or the problems on the pitch," he told the Daily Mirror.
"Javier is a big player, and I cannot say about myself, but we are not to blame. Anyone who says that is wrong.
"I care for this club and have only ever done everything I can as a player and as a person to help West Ham this season."
Despite sitting three points behind Sheffield United, Tevez remains confident Alan Curbishley's side can beat the drop.
"The miracle is still possible. We have three matches to play and nine points to win," he continued.
"I have faced more difficult situations in Argentina and Brazil than this, even thought this one is very complicated."