Wayne Rooney names Man Utd team-mate he was 'devastated' to see leave
Wayne Rooney has opened up about his partnership with Carlos Tevez at Manchester United and admitted he was "gutted" when the forward joined rivals Manchester City in 2009
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has admitted he was "devastated" when Carlos Tevez left the club to join local rivals Manchester City. Rooney and Tevez spent two seasons together at Old Trafford between 2007 and 2009.
Along with Cristiano Ronaldo, the pair were part of a formidable attacking trio that fired United to two Premier League titles and a Champions League. However, Tevez was only at United on loan and he ended up joining rivals City in 2009 after the Red Devils failed to agree a permanent deal.
Tevez went on to spend four years at City and notably helped them win their first league title since 1968 in 2012, with United finishing runners-up that season on goal difference. Reflecting on Tevez's move, Rooney told the BBC: "I was gutted to be honest.
"I'm pretty sure Carlos wanted to stay at Manchester United. Man City at the time were trying to build and become competitive and I knew that he'd be a massive part of that because obviously the ability he has.
"I think we've seen when he went there, he had some great times there as well. I was devastated, I would've really like him to stay longer and continue to play with him."
Rooney also named Tevez as his "favourite strike partner to play alongside", claiming that most defenders "hated playing against the two of us". Rooney added: "When Carlos joined Manchester United, there was a lot of talk about whether Carlos and I could play up front together.
"I was really excited when we signed him. We were similar in ways how we played - both worked hard and could both play as a nine, both play off the forward as well. We had a really good understanding and chemistry on the pitch, off the pitch.
"I used to pick him up to take him to the airport before Champions League games. It was interesting actually because we couldn't really have a conversation. I think his English was better than he let on.
"He's a player you'd always want on your team and he scored some great goals for us, at big moments for us as well. Two years at Manchester United - two league titles, the Champions League... he was a massive part of that.
"I think Carlos was my favourite strike partner to play alongside. Most defenders we played actually hated playing against the two of us and we could feel that. We knew we were nasty as well. Very instinctive, intense, off the cuff. Anything could happen at any moment."
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