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Balotelli's agent takes swipe at tabloids

Mario Balotelli has been a central figure for Manchester City this season © PA Photos

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Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli is an "easy target for tabloids" according to the striker's agent who has come clean about an alleged fling.

Balotelli, who is in a long-term relationship with Italian model Raffaella Fico, has been a controversial figure since moving to Manchester City in 2010.

His on and off-field antics, both positive and negative, have caught headlines and his agent has spoken out amid claims the story about his "brief involvement" with was set to be made public.

Mino Raiola, who represents Balotelli, said: "Mario is a young and impulsive football player and as such he is an easy target for tabloids looking for stories and people seeking to benefit from being associated with him.

"Lately I feel that the chase has become more purposeful and women, in particular, are targeting Mario looking to make money from him directly or by selling stories to newspapers.

"In this regard, we therefore wish to confirm that Mario has had a brief involvement. Mario prefers to admit what has happened, has refused any means on offer to try to keep the matter silent and will deal with any consequences his actions bring in the way of public attention.

"However, he prefers to deal with his personal life in private and had told those close to him about this situation prior to any suggestion of this matter becoming public."

The woman involved has approached PR guru Maxi Clifford. He said: "She has been pursued by the tabloids over an alleged friendship with Balotelli and asked us to represent her."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.