Manchester City will not sell want-away striker Carlos Tevez in January, BBC Sport understands.
The 26-year-old says he wants to leave because his relations with "certain executives" at the Eastlands club have "broken down beyond repair". But a senior club official described this as "ludicrous and nonsensical".
If Tevez refuses to play or retires, the club will seek compensation for breach of contract from his agent and former 'owner' Kia Joorabchian.
The deal, which has three-and-a-half years to run, is estimated to amount to tens of millions of pounds.
City made the decision not to sell Tevez after talks with club owner Sheikh Mansour.
The club have already rejected a written transfer request from Tevez, who has reportedly cited family reasons as the motive behind his decision to leave.
The Argentina striker said: "It is something I have felt for some time and have spent many hours thinking this through."
In a statement, Tevez stressed he had "no personal issue" with manager Roberto Mancini and thanked club owner Sheikh Mansour for his "understanding and support".
The Manchester City captain, who controversially joined from rivals Manchester United 17 months ago, revealed he first asked to leave this summer, but claimed he was dissuaded by long-time adviser Joorabchian.
City's hierarchy have implied that the blame lies with the Iranian businessman, describing Joorabchian's actions in relation to Tevez's situation as "disappointing".
But Tevez said: "I hugely resent suggestions that I have been unduly influenced by others. I wanted to leave in the summer, but was convinced to return.
"Sadly, my feelings have not changed. I am disappointed that the management should now see fit to try to portray the situation in another light.
"My relationship with certain executives and individuals at the club has broken down and is now beyond repair. I do not wish to expand on this at this stage. They know, because I have told them."
City have claimed they have done everything in their power to help their highest-paid player, whose two young daughters live in Argentina, deal with his personal issues.
The club hopes that Tevez will play until the summer when he will be sold.
Tevez's contract at Eastlands does not expire until July 2014, and City claimed Joorabchian had, in recent months, been pressing for that deal to be improved and extended.
On Sunday, the club responded to Tevez's announcement he wants to leave by saying in a statement: "This is both an unfortunate and unwelcome distraction, and the club will remain focused on the games ahead in what is turning out to be a very promising season."
Following their 3-1 win at West Ham on Saturday, City are second in the Premier League, level on points with leaders Arsenal but having played one match more.
During that time, he helped United win two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Fifa Club World Cup and the Carling Cup.
City have stated "the door remains open for Carlos to be selected to play" but his determination to leave the club may make it difficult for Mancini to include Tevez in the team.
Tevez, who was suspended for the trip to his former club West Ham, is due to return from a break in Tenerife on Tuesday.
It remains to be seen whether he will feature in Manchester City's next match, away to Juventus in the Europa League on Thursday.
Mancini's men then face Everton in the Premier League on 20 December ahead of a trip to Newcastle on Boxing Day.
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