When West Ham ‘didn’t know’ where to play Carlos Tevez

Kia Joorabchian helped bring Carlos Tevez to the Premier League

Joorabchian, a prominent figure in football since the 2000s, was involved in the deal that saw Argentinian internationals  Tevez and Javier Mascherano move to West Ham in 2006, and is the director of global football management company Sports Invest UK.

Joorabchian has also been heavily involved in horse racing since 2003, and fronts Amo Racing.

From blockbuster football signings to ambitious moves in the racing world, the Paddock team chatted through his approach, his investments, and how he handles life as a disruptor in the industry.

Tevez did not score in any of his first 19 appearances for the Hammers, but went on an incredible run in the final weeks of the season, scoring seven goals in 10 appearances to keep West Ham up on the final day of the campaign under Alan Curbishley. 

He then went on to play for Manchester United and Manchester City, becoming one of the Premier League's most colourful and controversial stars.

The Paddock is a show hosted by Oli Bell, with weekly episodes with the best tips, news, talking points and special guests from the world of horse racing. Catch The Paddock on YouTube, or listen on podcast – wherever you get your podcasts.

“Tevez to his credit was always that kind of character, he was a huge fighter. He actually had an opportunity to leave in January, and he said I’m not leaving, even though he wasn’t playing.

“One particular West Ham manager called him from the sideline and says: ‘Listen, I’ve got to put you on, because the whole crowd is calling your name… But I actually don’t know what position you’re going to play!”

“He was on the touchline, and the translator says this to Tevez, and Tevez tells him to go and tell the manager to go and stuff himself, in a less polite Argentinian manner!

“Then the manager says: ‘You know what, just go on and play whichever position you want.’ He came on, and he did very well, but if I tell you the result you’ll know which manager!

“He scored, and jumped in the crowd, after that he became iconic. He does deserve that because he’s that kind of player.”

The Paddock is a show hosted by Oli Bell, with weekly episodes with the best tips, news, talking points and special guests from the world of horse racing. Catch The Paddock on YouTube, or listen on podcast – wherever you get your podcasts.