London, Oct 31 Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has been told it is time he learned to speak English, as the Argentinean still needs instructions in team meetings and games translated to him.

His countryman and Eastlands teammate Pablo Zabaleta is already fluent after just 12 months in England. And he has told Tevez it is time to start having lessons with him.

"It is important. I get English lessons once a week so my language is getting better. I try I try. I didn't speak English before I got here but I got lessons. I have told Carlos he needs to come to me for lessons," Zabaleta said.

"He sometimes does try to speak English. But it is important to learn because we need to speak with teammates and managers and everyone. Plus we are living in England for the future," The Sun quoted Zabaleta, as saying.

Zabaleta's English is excellent for someone who could not speak a word when he joined from Espanyol in a 6.5 million pounds move in August 2008.

Tevez, meanwhile, has still not done a single interview in English.

Many people were stunned at his press conference when he joined City he was still speaking in Spanish despite two seasons with Manchester United.

Zabaleta is also hoping if he keeps his place in the City team he will get to next summer's World Cup with Argentina.

He has only seven caps since his international debut in 2005. (ANI)