• Premier League

Mancini feels Balotelli will stay

ESPN staff
March 24, 2011
Roberto Mancini has seen Mario Balotelli struggle to keep his cool © Getty Images
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Roberto Mancini has insisted Mario Balotelli has a future at Manchester City despite his disciplinary problems, with the Italian claiming the club are unlikely to sell the striker in the summer.

Balotelli arrived at Eastlands last summer to widespread acclaim and netted on his debut. Since then he has suffered niggling injuries and disciplinary problems. He has been sent off twice in his City career and is reported to be keen on a return to Italy.

Despite the other options at his disposal and the potential to spend again in the summer, Mancini is keen on retaining the services of Balotelli despite interest from AC Milan.

"The problem is that it's written that the Rossoneri want him and that there's an agreement, it creates confusion and tension," Mancini told Il Giorno. "I personally don't mind, but it's unlikely that City will sell their good players.

"Mario was very unfortunate with his knee problems. But, if he wants, he's in a position to change himself in games, but it depends on him."

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