Mancini Strips Tevez of City Captaincy

Carlos Tevez's 'love hate' relationship with Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini took another turn for the worse on Saturday as the Argentinian was permanently stripped of the captaincy.

Tevez - who has recently spoken of his turbulent relations with Mancini - has been replaced by Belgian central defender Vincent Kompany, skipper in their three Premier League matches this season.

"Carlos wanted to leave for family reasons. I respected his opinion but Carlos is still here because we didn't find a solution," said Mancini.

"I decided in the summer that Vinnie (Kompany) was the captain."

Mancini, though, said that 27-year-old Tevez would still be an integral member of their squad as they approach the Champions League group stages, their debut appearance in European club football's premier competition.

"He's a fantastic player for us, someone who can score 20 goals a season," said Mancini.

Tevez, who joined City from Manchester United in 2009 but who has sought a move away because of family reasons, has made just one brief appearance this term, coming on for compatriot Sergio Aguero against Bolton on August 21.

City host Wigan later on Saturday looking to make it four wins from their four Premier League matches this season.