Silva extends welcome mat to Tevez

AC Milan defender Thiago Silva has called on unsettled Manchester City star Carlos Tevez to join him at San Siro.

Silva believes the Argentine could prove to be the missing piece of Milan’s forward line as the Italian champions continue to search for a replacement for Antonio Cassano, who could miss the rest of the season after undergoing heart surgery.

“If he wants to play for a big club that wants to win it all then he has to come to us,” Silva told Sky Sports Italia. “We’ll await him with open arms and he would certainly make the difference.”

“Tevez is a quality player. Any team in the world would want him, and if AC Milan manage to sign him then he would make the difference for us.”

Brazilian Silva was asked whether his international rivalry with Tevez could affect their relationship on the pitch, but he was adamant it would not impact on their commitment to the club.

“It exists and it’s very big, but only on the pitch once the game starts. Otherwise we’re friends,” Silva said.

AC Milan, who trail leaders Juventus by two points in Serie A, travel to Bologna on Sunday.