Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is adamant that his transfer request is genuine. The request filed last week prompted team officials to suspend him for a Saturday match at West Ham, which City won, 3-1, to move into a first-place tie with Arsenal, which plays Manchester United Monday (ESPN2, 3 pm ET).

Since moving to City from Man United two years ago, Tevez has scored 33 goals for City. The desire to leave he voiced a few months ago hasn't subsided.

"I wanted to leave in the summer, but was convinced to return," said Tevez. "Sadly, my feelings have not changed. I am disappointed that the management should now see fit to try to portray the situation in another light.

"My relationship with certain executives and individuals at the club has broken down and is now beyond repair. I do not wish to expand on this at this stage. They know, because I have told them."