The Argentine international has been handed the armband by boss Roberto Mancini who today also praised the man who has lost the job of skipper – Kolo Toure.
Tevez led the team for the first time in the friendly win over Spanish side Valencia and did so again at White Hart Lane in the opening Premier League draw against Spurs.
Mancini admitted he had been spoiled for choice before plumping for last season’s leading goalscorer.
“We have Carlos, Kolo and Gareth Barry who would all make good captains of the side, there were other choices too,” admitted the boss.
I think that being captain will allow Carlos to show his personality more
...Roberto Mancini on Tevez
“It will encourage him to express himself more and I think it can improve the team. He leads by example on the pitch but also in the training ground every day.
“I understand what importance is placed on the captain in England because it is the same in Italy though often the armband is given to the longest serving player.”
The manager admitted it was hard telling Kolo that Carlos would be captain but said that the former Arsenal man had made it easier for him.
“Kolo is a good man, a fantastic man and I have spoken to him,” said Mancini.
“For him the only thing that is important is the squad and that the team plays well and wins something this season. He is disappointed but he understands.”
Tevez told a pre-match press conference that he was ‘really happy’ to be the new skipper.
“I thank the manager for the opportunity,” he said. “I am looking forward to a big season and we should get better and better as we get to know one another.”
