By CALEB SONNELAND
It isn't really any surprise that Carlos Tevez is in the headlines once again.
The Manchester City striker has come out and made it clear that he intends to quit the club and move home to Argentina to be closer to his family.
While Tevez is quick to show his respect for City, its fans and owner, he asks for sympathy for the fans' understanding that he has been away from his daughters for the past year.
The 27-year-old has stated his desire to leave several times, however, it is typically followed by a statement of commitment to the club not long after. But it seems this time, he has made his intentions very clear, and City have begun to prepare for life without its captain by sticking a £50 million price tag on his head.
Tevez netted an impressive 53 goals in 86 appearances for the Eastlands club, so filling his shoes will be a tall order for fellow strikers such as Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko. The club sent Roque Santa Cruz and Emmanuel Adebayor out on loan to Blackburn Rovers and Real Madrid, respectively, last season and the departure of Tevez may play a part in their future.
Here are some other stories to keep your Tuesday rolling along:
WAMBACH, O'REILLY SIT OUT PRACTICE WITH INJURIES
USWNT stars Abby Wambach and Heather O'Reilly watched Monday's practice from the sidelines as the pair nursed injuries in the run up to a Group C marquee match-up with Sweden on Wednesday at 2:45AM ET (ESPN).
Striker Wambach voluntarily sat out with a sore achilles tendon in her right ankle, but the American is confident of her return to fitness for the big game tomorrow for top spot in the group.
O'Reilly suffered a groin strain in the team's 3-0 victory over Colombia last Saturday, and coach Pia Sundhage isn't sure whether to risk the right midfielder. Since a win isn't absolutely necessary to advance from the group, another player may get the nod ahead of O'Reilly.
PEDRO SET TO EXTEND STAY AT BARCELONA
Anyone interested in prying Pedro out of Barcelona's clutches will have to pay out the nose, as the striker/winger's new contact includes a €150 million buyout clause.
The contract will extend his time with the Catalan giants until June 30th, 2016 and will be officially signed by the player this Thursday.
Pedro made his debut in the 2007-2008 season with Barca and has since impressed during his time, scoring 25 goals in 75 appearances for the La Liga champions.
In 2009, Pedro was first player to score in all six major club competitions in one season as he netted in the Primera Division, Champions League, Copa del Rey, World Club Cup, and the Spanish and European Super Cups.
QUICK KICKS
Steven Gerrard left out of Liverpool's Asia tour this summer to nurse groin injury in preparation for 2011-2012 season.
Following the footsteps of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to Eastlands, former Arsenal defender Gael Clichy has sealed a move to Manchester City for a fee reportedly around £7 million.
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What do you think of Carlos Tevez leaving Manchester City? How replaceable is he? Does the USWNT stand a chance without Wambach and O'Reilly?
Share your thoughts below