• Premier League

AC Milan won't swap El Shaarawy for Balotelli

ESPN staff
November 6, 2012
Mario Balotelli is not set to be swapped for Stephan El Shaarawy © PA Photos
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Adriano Galliani has dismissed speculation that Manchester City and AC Milan could be set to swap strikers Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy.

The Rossoneri vice-president was asked about reports - which began in the English press - linking the 20-year-old forward with a move to the Premier League. But Galliani was in no mood to entertain the idea of losing a player who currently leads the Serie A scoring charts with eight goals.

Galliani told a press conference: "Enough of this talk. He has a contract until 2017 and soon he will sign an extension until 2018. El Shaarawy is an enchanting player."

However, the Milan official then reiterated his admiration for Balotelli, a comment that is unlikely to quell speculation about the striker making an eventual return to Serie A.

Galliani added: "It is true, I love him madly, even if it can also be said that not every love in life can have a happy ending."

Manchester City could consider offers for Balotelli, amid new reports that manager Roberto Mancini is frustrated with the Italian after learning he is set to miss the busy Christmas period to be with his girlfriend for the birth of their first child.

Mancini was already annoyed with his striker after a wasteful performance against West Ham on Saturday, as the Premier League champions were held to a 1-1 draw.

"I think that a player like Balotelli, when he has a chance like to today, he should score," Mancini said after the match. "Because when you are a top player, if you have a chance, you should score this - but I don't think he didn't want to score."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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