• Premier League

Napoli laugh off talk of Balotelli move

ESPN staff
August 10, 2011
Mario Balotelli is currently on international duty with Italy © Getty Images
Enlarge

This season ESPN Goals is completely free. It's the first place to see every goal from every Premier League game, all season long

Mario Balotelli will not be heading to Napoli after the club ruled out making a bid for the Manchester City striker.

Balotelli has been linked with a return to Italy following revelations that he does not enjoy living Manchester, but Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis has no interest in the controversial forward, despite the possible exit of Argentina international Ezequial Lavezzi.

"Absolutely not," De Laurentiis told Sky Sport Italia when asked if Napoli were interested in Balotelli. "He is funny, but it is too disruptive and I prefer that he applies his talents elsewhere."

De Laurentiis revealed Napoli would be making a bid for Villareal striker Giuseppi Rossi, although he is aware the club faces serious competition from the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid.

"I understand the ambition of a young man to want to go to Barcelona or Real Madrid, it's normal," he said. "He [Rossi] didn't say no to me, though, but this was around four weeks ago. I will try to buy him this season, but I'm ready to leave him in Spain."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices