CARLOS TEVEZ has shrugged off reports of a summer move to Real Madrid and insisted he is focused on leading Manchester City into the Champions League.
The Argentinian has become the hero of Eastlands after walking out of Manchester United and scoring 28 goals this season.
Question marks were raised over his future when he criticised boss Roberto Mancini's strict training regime.
But he is determined not to let the speculation distract him as he bids to fire his club into the top four.Tevez said: "It does not matter to me if people talk about Real Madrid or any other big team in Europe.
"I am used to rumours and I will not allow them to distract me. My mind is only on my job at City and winning the games we have left.
"Of course our goal is to be one of the four teams who go into the Champions League.
"It is the same pressure as aiming to win titles with United or the battle to avoid descending with West Ham. I am playing with the same effort and passion now as I was in those situations."
Tevez, 26, has enjoyed an outstanding season and was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award.
In the end he missed out to his old strike partner Wayne Rooney but the ex-Old Trafford idol says he owes it all to his new team-mates.
He said: "It was an amazing feeling to be nominated and made me very happy. All the good things that are happening to me this season, I owe to City and my team-mates.
"There is no doubt in my mind I was right to come here."
And he is determined to pay back his pals and the fans who have taken him to their hearts by securing their Champions League dream. Sixth-placed City face fifth-placed Aston Villa today, who they have a game in hand over, then host Tottenham, who are currently fourth, on Wednesday.
Tevez added: "The good news is our destiny is in our own hands. I pray we can make it and perhaps next season it will be a reality that City are in the Champions League."
Mancini, meanwhile, has urged the City board not to panic - even if they fail to finish in the top four.
The Italian was given a 70-point target when he took over from the axed Mark Hughes in December. And his position could come under scrutiny if he fails to deliver Champions League football.
City face a make-or-break week but the ex-Inter Milan coach wants Sheikh Mansour and Co to hold their nerve and stick with him however they finish.
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Mancini said: "Have I been given any assurances? No. But I have three years left on my contract and I want us to be an important team next year.
"I don't decide on my future. I can decide on training, the players but the other things are decided by the owners.
"I want to stay here 200 per cent and if the owner wants me to stay, I will stay. When you want to build a good team, you must have time. Every manager wants this.
"For this, it's important that I am given the opportunity to build a team.
"I can work in pre-season, working for one year is better because you have worked with the players for longer and get to know players better.
"We have a fantastic chance to become a very important team next year if we build, if we have time."
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