Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has expressed his gratitude towards the club's supporters after welcoming him back from his high-profile fall from grace.

The Argentina international looked likely to leave the Premier League champions this summer after famously refusing to warm up for Roberto Mancini during a Champions League fixture last season.

"I don't know if I'm an idol for the City fans, but I am very grateful to them," the Manchester Evening News quotes Tevez as saying. "They have always treated me well even after all of the things that were said away from the pitch.

"They have always welcomed me, and for that I am grateful. Whatever I do, they make me feel at home and I would like to thank the fans for that."

Meanwhile, Man City chief Patrick Vieira has revealed that Tevez could sign a contract extension in the coming weeks.