• Premier League

"Rotten apple" Mario not on AC's list

ESPN staff
January 8, 2013
Mario Balotelli's influence is poisonous says Silvio Berlusconi © Getty Images
Enlarge

Mario Balotelli is a "rotten apple" who could poison the entire team spirit at AC Milan, according to the club's president Silvio Berlusconi.

Berlusconi's comments about the Manchester City striker were in response to reports that claimed the Rossoneri wanted to buy the 22-year-old.

Balotelli's future in Manchester is up in the air after a training ground push-and-shove between him and manager Roberto Mancini, a former manager of AC's rivals Inter Milan.

But Mancini has insisted he will give Balotelli "another 100 chances" to make things work at City and Carlos Tevez has also said he will help the Italian cool his ways.

Yet speculation still rages around Balotelli as Napoli have also expressed a desire to bring him to the Stadio San Paolo as a partner for Edinson Cavani.

One place he will not be going to it would seem is the San Siro, at least in a black and red shirt, as Berlusconi was explicit in his description of Balotelli.

"The name of Balotelli never came into my thoughts, he is a rotten apple and could infect every group where he goes, even Milan," the former Prime Minister of Italy said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices