Tevez to leave Man United after rejecting deal

Manchester, England:

Carlos Tevez will leave Manchester United after rejecting a five-year contract that would have made him one of the highest paid players at the Premier League champions.

Man United said Saturday it had wanted to keep the Argentina striker and was willing to pay 25.5 million pounds ($41 million) to turn his two-year loan deal into a permanent contract.

But Tevez has decided to leave Old Trafford, having previously said that United disrespected him by not explaining why he was dropped so often from the team.

Tevez wants to continue playing in the Premier League and has been linked with United's crosstown rival, Manchester City, which has the financial resources to sign him.

"The club agreed to pay the option price of 25.5 million pounds and offered Carlos a five year contract, which would have made him one of its highest paid players," United said. "Disappointingly, however, his advisers informed the club that, despite the success he has enjoyed during one of the club's most successful periods, he does not wish to continue playing for Manchester United.

"The club would like to thank Carlos for his services over the last two seasons and wishes him good luck for the future."

Tevez was brought to England in 2006 through a controversial loan move to West Ham by the investment company that still owns his rights. He joined United before the 2007-08 season and quickly become a fan favorite. After the final home match of the season in May, more than a thousand supporters converged on the directors' exit and players' tunnel chanting: "Fergie, sign him up."