Let's hear it for Tevez and Mascherano - the mercenaries' mercenaries

By Brian Reade

Published 23:01 17/12/10

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Isn't it strange how Carlos Tevez’s and Javier ­Mascherano’s feet have both itched at more or less identical times, before making them walk in the same direction?

The 26-year-olds moved from Argentinian teams to Brazil’s Corinthians for more money, then on to West Ham to showcase their skills in Europe’s richest league. From there they make the lucrative move to north-west giants Liverpool and Manchester United (with Carlos making an even more lucrative move across town when United refused to give him more money).

Then both decide within months of each other that they want a move to Spain, not for better wages or commercial contracts you understand, but because of their partners. ­Coincidences all. Just like the even bigger ­coincidence that binds them both together.

They both knowingly sold the “economic rights” to their footballing ability to a shark.

Ladies and gentlemen be upstanding for Tevez and Mashcerano.

The Mercenaries’ ­Mercenaries.

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The Premier League has appointed Nic Coward, the chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, as head of legal affairs, with Richard Scudamore saying he should fit in perfectly with his top team. I’m sure he will. Especially the next time they meet to consider what to do about Alex Ferguson’s continued refusal to speak to the BBC. Another Coward is just what they need.

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