Carlos Tevez cleared by British district court to focus on Juventus

Argentine striker had been ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work by a local magistrate for driving offences while a Manchester City player.

Carlos Tevez left the UK before completing a majority of the 250 hours of unpaid work. Jon Super / AP Photo

LONDON // Carlos Tevez, the Juventus striker, has been cleared to start the season with the Italian club after the former Manchester City star had his Community Service Order rescinded on Wednesday.

When Tevez agreed to join Juventus earlier in the close season, the Argentine still had to complete the majority of his 250 hours of unpaid work, imposed by Macclesfield Magistrates' Court as punishment for a string of driving offences earlier this year.

However, the terms have now changed, meaning Tevez will pay a fine instead of fulfilling the order, allowing him to continue his career with Juventus.

Bridget Knight, the district judge, accepted there were circumstances beyond Tevez's control in his inability to fulfil the terms of his order.

"This is only a technical breach. It is not, I repeat not, a case of a footballer thumbing his nose at a court order," he said.

It is thought Tevez's legal team argued that as the former Manchester United star was sold by City, he was not responsible in law for his inability to comply with the order.

"I would like to thank the court for its understanding. I appreciate their help and assistance in this case," Tevez said.

"All I want to do is continue my career in Italy with Juventus and I am looking forward to a new chapter."

Tevez, who also played for West Ham and Manchester United, had a chequered career in the English Premier League (see gallery).

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