• Premier League

City reject several Balotelli bids

ESPN staff
August 10, 2012
Mario Balotelli was one of the stars of Euro 2012 © Getty Images
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Roberto Mancini has said Manchester City have turned down a handful of offers for Mario Balotelli from top clubs this summer.

Mancini, who had insisted earlier this summer that the Italian would remain at Eastlands, urged Balotelli to build on his excellent Euro 2012 by becoming more consistent this season.

"This summer, we had a lot of requests for him," the City manager revealed. "Many important teams wanted him."

Asked if he considered accepting the offers, he replied: "No, because he is young. We are sure he can improve."

Balotelli chipped in with 17 goals in all competitions last year - and the assist for Sergio Aguero's title-winning goal against QPR - and Mancini insisted the 21-year-old had enjoyed a fine campaign.

He added: "You can say Mario did a good season because he scored 15 or 17 goals, [and] he did the last pass for Sergio in the last game."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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