Patrick Vieira has urged Manchester City fans to back manager Roberto Mancini in his handling of Carlos Tevez.
Vieira has urged City fans to put their total trust in Mancini, the man who delivered the FA Cup and Champions League qualification last season.
Vieira, who has just taken up an executive role in youth development after spending his last 18 months as a player at City, told the Sunday Mirror: "What I respect most about Mancini is that he isn't afraid to make the big decisions. Remember last summer when he allowed Craig Bellamy to join Cardiff - even though he knew this was a player the fans loved.
"This time he is having to manage a difficult situation with Carlos Tevez. But having to take these big decisions will not worry him.
"Whether he makes the right choice or the wrong choice, Mancini is someone who is brave to make a decision and move on.
"He always looks at the big picture.
"Whether Carlos stays or leaves, the only thing Mancini will be thinking about is what is right for the team so that he can win more silverware. It takes time for fans to trust a manager, but winning the FA Cup and finishing third will make the fans believe in Roberto.
"He will not worry one bit about what other people think. He can be ruthless with players - but great managers like Ferguson, Wenger and Mourinho all have that gift."
