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Balotelli expects to stay after silencing critics

Mario Balotelli helped Manchester City win the title © PA Photos

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Mario Balotelli has told his critics to "shut up" after helping Manchester City to their first ever Premier League title.

Balotelli was a second half substitute during City's dramatic late victory over QPR on Sunday, which ensured Roberto Mancini's side claimed the title over Manchester United on goal difference.

Balotelli has endured an up-and-down season - both on and off the pitch - but believes City's triumph means he has now proven his doubters wrong.

Despite ongoing speculation about his future, the former Inter Milan forward also expects to remain at the club for many seasons to come.

"Too many people talk. Too many people speak about me bad. And now they need to shut up. That's it," Balotelli told Sky Sports.

"Man City is a great club, it's a great team, great team-mates. I don't see my future far from here, so I think I will only be here."

The Italian added that he felt the final comeback underlined the fact that City were the best side over the course of the campaign, even if they made it difficult for themselves ahead of the final few weeks.

"This proves we are the best, that's why we won," he added. "We didn't play very well [for the] last few games but [over the] rest of the season we played good so we deserve to win."

Pablo Zabaleta, who scored the opening goal at the Etihad, gave an insight into the turmoil all the players felt.

"When we scored the second goal I thought we were going to win the game," he said. "At 2-1 I thought the game was gone. When you fight to the end sometimes you can get it, and I'm really proud to be honest for this group; players, staff and fans.

"You have to try to the end. We won the game in the last five minutes. It's crazy but I think we deserved it. We have fantastic players, and for this club it is a great step forward. Europe's next."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.