Tevez had spent two years on loan at United from West Ham before rejecting a permanent transfer to join City instead. According to Rooney, Tevez had initially wanted to stay at United, but ultimately chose to join City, who were looking to establish themselves as a competitive force in the league.

Rooney expressed his disappointment at Tevez's departure, stating that he would have liked to have played with him for longer. He acknowledged that Tevez had some successful times at City, and that his abilities were a key factor in City's growing competitiveness.

Rooney's comments reflect his close relationship with Tevez during their time together at United, and highlight the significance of Tevez's move to City in altering the balance of power between the two teams.