Tevez turns down a game in Argentina... at tribute match for old pal Palermo

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 04:20 EDT, 5 February 2012

Carlos Tevez was a guest at his former Argentina team-mate Martin Palermo's farewell match in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

Manchester City striker Tevez was considering playing in the benefit game for Boca Juniors favourite Palermo at the Bombonera stadium.

Game for a laugh: Carlos Tevez jokes with former Boca boss Carlos Bianchi

Striker Palermo retired last year, and the 38-year-old was feted by many former team-mates.

However Tevez limited his appearance to a half-time salute to supporters of the club where he began his career as a teenager, who responded, according to a report on the La Nacion newspaper website, by chanting, 'Leave the English and come back here'.

Old pals: Tevez greets his former team-mate Martin Palermo

Fans favourite: Tevez got a warm ovation

The Argentinian's future remains the subject of great interest, as he has not played for City since becoming embroiled in a dispute with the club in September, following his failure to warm up during a Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich.

It was widely anticipated he would leave during the transfer window, but interest from Inter Milan, AC Milan and Paris St Germain did not lead to a move away from the Etihad Stadium.

City refused to enter into discussions over a loan deal for the 27-year-old, scuppering AC Milan's plans for a transfer.

Tevez has appealed to the Premier League against a six-week fine imposed by City for his ongoing absence.

City imposed the fine after finding Tevez guilty of gross misconduct on December 22.