Tevez: I won't celebrate if I score today

Carlos Tevez, whose goals kept West Ham in the Barclays Premiership last season, will get a hero's welcome at Upton Park today and says he will not celebrate if he scores.

The Manchester United striker will lead the attack for the champions, the first time in his career that he has faced a former club.

West Ham supporters are known for their ferocious reaction to former players, especially Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Paul Ince, who also left for Old Trafford, but such hostilities will not extend to Tevez.

The Argentine, who joined United on loan in the summer after ending his West Ham contract, told Sportsmail: "I am a Manchester United player and my heart is here, but I will never forget the treatment from the West Ham fans and I will not celebrate if I score. How can I?

"This is a strange feeling for me, going back to my old club. It is the first time in my career that this has happened and I am not sure how I will feel. Manchester United and their fans have made me feel at home. I want to stay for a long time, possibly for the rest of my career, but I will always have a place for West Ham and their supporters in my heart."

After a Premier League investigation into his thirdparty loan transfer to English football, Tevez was allowed to continue playing for West Ham despite objections from relegation rivals, especially Sheffield United.

He subsequently scored the goals that saved the club, including the winner on the last day of the season at Manchester United.

Tevez is idolised by West Ham supporters for scoring seven goals in the run-in, but has settled quickly at United after his transfer was delayed by red tape and the Upton Park board dragging their heels.

It threatened his dream move but there is no bitterness.

The striker said: "The club stayed up and I am happy for the part I could play in that. West Ham beat United twice last season, both 1-0. I'm not sure that will be the case this time!

"I hope the West Ham fans welcome me and understand why I had to leave. I will not forget them, their knowledge and their passion. I hope they will have a good season, even if I hope for three points for United from this game.

"It is a different West Ham. Myself, Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun are not there, so they play in a different way. I never had the chance to play with Dean Ashton, because he was out injured. I am certain they will not struggle like last season and I wish them well.

"I have different challenges now, but I will forever remember the great support from West Ham fans. They never doubted me, showed me great respect and believed in me.

"Things have been going very well for me at United, and since I first saw the fixtures I have been looking forward to this game at Upton Park."