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Balotelli apologises, will hold City talks in summer

Mario Balotelli was sent off during Manchester City's defeat to Arsenal © Getty Images

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Mario Balotelli has apologised for the red card he received against Arsenal and confirmed he will hold talks with Manchester City over his future at the end of the season.

Balotelli's eventful City career took another twist on Sunday as he was handed his marching orders in the latter stages of City's 1-0 loss that handed their rivals Manchester United an eight-point lead at the summit.

The striker was fortunate not be given a straight red card by referee Martin Atkinson in the first half after he caught Alex Song with a dangerous challenge, and it is anticipated the Football Association will hand him a retrospective ban.

City boss Roberto Mancini said after the game that he will "probably" sell Balotelli in the summer after being let down by the Italian on a number of occasions, and the forward has reacted by apologising for his actions.

"I'm really sorry for what happened, for the disappointment I've given to Man City and, particularly, to Roberto Mancini, for whom I have a great respect and who I love," Balotelli told Ansa news agency.

"As for my future, we will see at the end of the season. I'll talk with the club and we will see."

Balotelli, 21, is also hopeful that his latest red card will not cost him a place in Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad for this summer's European Championship.

Prandelli dropped the player for the February friendly against the USA after Balotelli was hit with a ban for stamping on Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker in January.

Balotelli added: "I'm really keen to play for the national team. I made two fouls in the game. I've already lost out on the national team for one bad thing, I wouldn't do it for a second time."

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