Centurion Tevez eyes long City stay

Carlos Tevez underlined his wholehearted enthusiasm for the Manchester City cause with his actions on and off the field yesterday. The controversial Argentinian, now firmly back in favour after last season's problems, capped another fine display with the late equaliser that secured a 2-2 draw for the Barclays Premier League champions at Liverpool. It was the 28-year-old's 100th goal in English football and came straight after pledging his future to the club in a TV interview before the match. Tevez, who first came to the English game with West Ham in 2006, has often given the impression he has been unsettled during his time in the country. However, he now says any issues, including the circumstances which led to his extraordinary self-imposed exile last season, are firmly in the past. Tevez told Sky Sports: "I return for a long time now. My family is here, my children are here. I am happy, my wife is happy, my children are happy now. No problem, I stay. I stay, for now it is two years, the contract, but I am seriously happy." When asked if he could stay beyond his current deal, he said: "Yes, no problem." It is a far cry from the situation last season when the player became embroiled in his infamous dispute with the club and manager Roberto Mancini. Tevez, who also revealed he has lost seven kilograms since last season, said: "Now is now, the problem last season is finished. I am happy, Roberto is happy, the club is happy. The problem is finished." Mancini is certainly pleased to have Tevez back onside after undoubtedly missing his world-class talents last year. Tevez has started the season superbly, also scoring in the Community Shield against Chelsea and the Premier League opening win over Southampton. Mancini said: "Carlos is in good form at this moment. I am happy for him. It is important he continues to play like he did in these two (league) games." City, with Sergio Aguero out injured, were grateful for Tevez's cutting edge after being largely outplayed in a pulsating game at Anfield. Liverpool deservedly led twice through Martin Skrtel and Luis Suarez with both City's equalisers coming from defensive mistakes. Yaya Toure pounced on the first from Martin Kelly and Tevez finished calmly 10 minutes from time after seizing on a poor Skrtel backpass. After avoiding a first defeat of the season, Mancini will turn his attention to bringing in additional faces before Friday's transfer deadline. Mancini, after joking he has "10 or 15" targets, said: "We need to put players in but we work for this, we have five days and we should work hard." City are thought to be close to completing a deal for Swansea's Scott Sinclair but Mancini said: "Maybe, I don't know. We can't say a name." FIFA