Carlos Tevez admits he misses his children - but claims there is no immediate prospect of him leaving Manchester City.
On a recent trip home to Argentina, comments from Tevez once again surfaced suggesting that he was considering retirement.
In a lengthy interview with City's in-house media, Tevez admitted the comments were accurate.
However, quitting the game is not something that appeals in the short-term.
And, having committed his future to the Eastlands outfit, he is willing to make the "sacrifice" required to see the task through.
"I'm happy here. I really am," he said. "I do miss my family, just like anyone would when they are not around.
"But I don't see retirement happening for a long time to come.
"A sacrifice has to be made when you make a commitment like I have done with City and it is something I am going to see through.
"Once that job is done I will have plenty of time with my kids."
Although Tevez is established as a firm crowd favourite at City after joining the Eastlands outfit from Manchester United, his time with the Blues has been pock-marked by controversy.
The latest episode was his touchline spat with manager Roberto Mancini on Saturday when he was replaced near the end of a win over Bolton that was achieved thanks to his 10th goal of the season.
Tevez's angry rant has been used as evidence that Mancini is losing the dressing room.
Yet the South American claims such issues occur at every club and his relationship with the boss is one that involves a common goal.
"It is just like any club," observed Tevez. "There are both good and bad vibes alike.
"The most important thing is that, as players, we are all pulling in the same direction and trying to do our best for the club.
"Anything that goes on between us (Tevez and Mancini) off the pitch or in the dressing room stays there and he and I keep on fighting for the club."
The ability of photographers to get a view of City's Carrington training ground thanks to the public footpath that runs right pass is clearly creating a problem.
However, Tevez feels intrusion into a club of limitless funds and ambition is something City will just have to accept.
"There is a lot of pressure within the club which the players are always stuck with," he said.
"Sometimes the odd thing gets out of the dressing room through people who don't have the best interests of the club at heart.
"It's not big deal. You just have to live with it."
