Wayne Rooney Reveals Heartbreak Over Controversial Departure of Manchester United Teammate

Wayne Rooney has revealed his heartbreak over Carlos Tevez's departure from Manchester United to join cross-town rivals Manchester City back in 2009.

Tevez arrived at Old Trafford on a two-year loan arrangement in 2007 and swiftly became a beloved figure among supporters. Playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney, he developed into one of the Premier League's most lethal forwards.

The South American striker secured two Premier League championships, the Champions League trophy, and the FIFA Club World Cup while representing the Red Devils, with many anticipating he would make his move permanent after his loan period concluded.

Instead, he chose to switch allegiances to Man City, contributing to their maiden Premier League triumph in the 2011-12 season. The Citizens edged out Man United for the title on goal difference, though Tevez managed just four goals during that particular campaign.

Rooney, who shared the pitch with Tevez in 61 matches, has confessed his disappointment regarding the Argentine's contentious departure.

"I was gutted to be honest," Rooney told the BBC. "I'm pretty sure Carlos wanted to stay at Manchester United. Man City at the time were trying to build and become competitive and I knew that he'd be a massive part of that because obviously the ability he has.

"I think we've seen when he went there, he had some great times there as well. I was devastated, I would've really like him to stay longer and continue to play with him."

Rooney has also confessed that Tevez remains his preferred striking companion, speaking enthusiastically about their partnership during their time together at Man United.

"I think Carlos was my favourite strike partner to play alongside," Rooney added. "Most defenders we played actually hated playing against the two of us and we could feel that. We knew we were nasty as well. Very instinctive, intense, off the cuff. Anything could happen at any moment."

Tevez departed Man City in 2013 and subsequently moved to Juventus, where he claimed two Serie A championships and the Coppa Italia. He later had two separate periods with his childhood team Boca Juniors, plus a brief time in China representing Shanghai Shenhua.