Diego Maradona says Carlos Tevez has inspired Manchester City to the title this season.

Maradona insists City manager Roberto Mancini welcoming back the AWOL striker made all the difference.

He told the Times of India: "Roberto Mancini will join those rare coaches who have been able to win titles both in Italy and in England. It didn't seem possible just a short time ago, as the Blues trailed the Red Devils by eight points.

"However, bringing back my friend, striker Carlos Tevez, has revitalised the City team. It took humility for these two great characters to mend their differences.

"Yaya Toure has been the real leader of this team and also deserves to win his first English championship."