• Premier League

Man City will not sell Balotelli, claims agent

ESPN staff
April 12, 2012
Mario Balotelli is currently suspended © Getty Images
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Mario Balotelli will not be sold by Manchester City this summer, according to the player's agent Mino Raiola.

Balotelli has endured a stormy season at City, creating unwanted headlines for a series of off-field and on-field incidents. The latest saw him sent off at Arsenal, after which manager Roberto Mancini replied "probably" when asked if Balotelli would be sold in the summer.

However, the young Italian has since made a public apology for his display at Arsenal, and Raiola claims relations with Mancini have improved significantly. Inter Milan and AC Milan are said to be monitoring the situation, but Raiola predicts the striker will remain at Eastlands.

"I am in Manchester but not for any transfer business. I have talked with Mario and Mancini, there was a moment of tension but now the situation is calmer," Raiola told Sky Italia TV.

"Mario has understood his errors, he is special in every way, sometimes he makes mistakes without meaning to. There is enormous pressure from the fans on Mario but Manchester City do not intend to sell him.

"He must grow here, then in one or two years, we'll see."

City moved back within five points of league leaders United following Wednesday's 4-0 win over West Brom, handing them a glimmer of light in the title race. Raiola insists Balotelli will never leave until he has a championship medal to show for his time in England.

"He must stay here, it is not true he is unhappy. When he leaves England he will do it as a winner," the agent said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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