Carlos Tevez expresses love for Manchester City

Tevez asked for a transfer earlier this season (GETTY IMAGES)

Carlos Tevez has emphasised his commitment to Manchester City by saying "I don't think anyone loves the shirt more than me."

The Argentina striker heads into the derby with his former club Manchester United on Saturday, aiming to improve on his impressive 20-goal tally for the season.

Tevez scored a first-half hat-trick in the 3-0 victory against West Brom on Saturday on his 27th birthday.

The skipper claims he is now content after a spell where he seemed to anxious to leave Eastlands, handing in a transfer request which was later withdrawn.

"I never walked out of the club or wanted to do any harm to the club, not for anything in the world, " he told www.mcfc.co.uk.

"I do not think there is anyone who loves the shirt more than me. I show that in every game I play. I give everything I have got.

"I do not speak very often to the press. I just have it in my head, I do my talking out there on the field, which is the most important thing.

"People might want to have a pop at me but I am completely at ease here. I want to do my best for the City shirt."

City head for Old Trafford only five points adrift of United as the leaders' unbeaten league run came to end after 24 games of the season at Wolves.

Tevez is keen to keep his foot on the pedal and added: "It is a period in my career where I have begun to enjoy things more. I am happy and very relaxed as a result of the football I am producing.

"We are right in there battling it out for a Champions League place. That is what the team is aiming for and where the team ought to be."

Meanwhile winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has been offered the chance to impress in the first team following Adam Johnson's injury.

Wright-Phillips looked bright and energetic during a late cameo appearance on Saturday and coach David Platt said: "He could be that player.

"What we had prior to January was a squad, when all fit, of 24 or 25 players and Shauny found himself out of it a few times.

"It did not work out for him in terms of moving away but he is a consummate pro. He has trained exceptionally well as he has done all season. He gives you a lot of pace and attacking ability.

"We are not stupid enough not to realise he might be important to us between now and the end of the season."