Tevez leaving United

LONDON (Reuters) - Unsettled Argentina forward Carlos Tevez is to leave Manchester United, the Premier League champions said on Saturday.

Tevez, 25, whose "economic rights" are owned by agent Kia Joorabchian, left West Ham United for Manchester United on a two-year deal in August 2007.

He spent much of last season on the bench and his last appearance was as a substitute in the 2-0 Champions League final defeat by Barcelona in May.

A statement on the club website (www.manutd.com) said United had agreed a fee of 25.5 million pounds and offered a five-year contract which would have made Tevez one of the team's highest-paid players.

"Disappointingly, however, his advisers informed the club that despite the success he has enjoyed during the club's most successful periods he does not wish to continue playing for Manchester United," the statement said.

Joorabchian responded by saying money had never been an issue and the club had not given Tevez enough time to make up his mind.

"When United made their offer about 10 days ago, for the first time in two years, we never went back to them to ask about money," Joorabchian told Sky Sports News.

NO REJECTION

"We just asked for some time to think about it. Obviously they have had two years to think about it and Carlos had to make a decision based on his family.