Carlos Tevez: My heart will always be with West Ham

Carlos Tevez has revealed that he refused to celebrate his two goals against West Ham out of respect for his former club, adding that 'part of me will always be a Hammer'.

Carlos Tevez has revealed that he refused to celebrate his two goals against West Ham on Monday night out of respect for his former club, adding that "part of me will always be a Hammer".

Tevez scored twice in Manchester City's 3-1 win over West Ham, but the striker's first goals at Eastlands prompted understated celebrations from the Argentinian.

The 25-year-old gestured apologetically to the travelling Hammers supporters after his two strikes and later admitted that his enduring love for West Ham was responsible for the muted reaction.

He said: "I decided not to celebrate my goals out of respect to West Ham. They were my first club in England and, in my heart, part of me will always be a Hammer.

"The professional part of me was really pleased with my first City goals at home but, personally, I would have preferred to beat another club."

Tevez, who was named West Ham's player of the year in 2007 after his goals helped the club avoid relegation, added that he now hopes to see an upturn in fortunes at Upton Park.

"All I hope now is that West Ham improve and don't suffer all season," Tevez said.

"I hope I've not damaged them too much now with my two goals.