Southampton legend Matthew Le Tissier believes Manchester City fans would forgive Carlos Tevez if he returned to the first team.

City boss Roberto Mancini is willing to recall Tevez - if the striker apologises for his Munich wobbler.

Le Tissier told talkSPORT: "I'd be surprised if Tevez did come out and say sorry because by the sounds of things he doesn't feel like he's got anything to apologise for. He's quite a strong headed character and it would surprise me if he did do that.

"But football fans are strange people and they will forgive him if he gets picked and starts playing well and scoring goals. It will all be forgotten very soon.

"Look what happened to Wayne Rooney when he put in the transfer request [last season]. He was the worst thing that had ever happened to Manchester United. He signs a new contract, starts scoring a few goals, and all of a sudden everyone loves him again. So it can all change very quickly."