Balotelli set to 'stay at City'

Cindy Garcia-Bennett

MANCHESTER City have no intention of selling striker Mario Balotelli this summer, according to the player's agent.

The Italy international has been strongly linked with a return to Serie A after a controversial season.

"I'm in Manchester but it has nothing to do with the transfer market," Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola said.

"There is no intention by Manchester City to sell the player.

"He (Balotelli) has always stated that he is happy in Manchester and finding his balance. Of course, that balance is lost when things don't go well."

City boss Roberto Mancini revealed last weekend he would consider selling the 21-year-old after he was sent off in the 1-0 league defeat to Arsenal.

Balotelli later apologised for his behaviour and claimed he would only consider his future at the end of the season.

"I have spoken to Mario and to Mancini," Raiola said. "There was a tense time between them but now all is calm. Mario has understood his mistakes in every sense, at times he makes mistakes without doing it on purpose.

"Much is expected from Mario and his sending off against Arsenal was negative due to his bad performance."

Reports in Italy claimed Inter and AC Milan wanted to sign Balotelli.

However, Inter president Massimo Moratti brushed the speculation aside.

"We have followed what has happened with Balotelli," Moratti said. "From a technical standpoint he is very good but we haven't made a move.

"Honestly, he is not in our plans."