Balotelli dismisses City exit talk
Mario Balotelli
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has responded to speculation over his future by insisting he has no intention of leaving the club.
It seemed City boss Roberto Mancini had lost patience with the controversial forward after his sending off in the defeat at Arsenal nine days ago, saying he would “probably” try to sell him this summer.
But after Balotelli avoided an extended ban over another incident in the same match, Mancini said he had accepted an apology from the 21-year-old, opening up the possibility of him remaining at the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking in Gazzetta dello Sport, Balotelli said: “My future?
“Why do you always talk of Inter and Milan for me?
“I’m at City and I have no intention of changing shirt.
“Now I am just thinking about winning the title because I am sure that [Manchester] United will make mistakes.”
Balotelli, who joined City in a £24m switch from Inter Milan in 2010, is taking inspiration from an unlikely source – Carlos Tevez.
Fellow striker Tevez has had his own well-publicised difficulties with City this season but has worked hard in training since returning from an unauthorised absence in February.
The Argentinian continued his rehabilitation following his dispute with the club by scoring a hat-trick in Saturday’s defeat of Norwich and Balotelli has been impressed by his dedication.
He said: “My point of reference is Tevez. When I came here, training was, for me, about having a good time.
“Instead I’m learning from him to always give the maximum every day.”
Balotelli, who hopes to force his way into the Italy national side for Euro 2012, also wants to continue working with Mancini, his former boss at Inter.
He said: “I am lucky to work with Mancini. He’s one of the best coaches in the world, maybe the best.
“After my red card against Arsenal he feared a long ban so he spoke about me with some harsh words.
“But we have explained things to each other. I know he believes in me, as he always has done.”
Because of that, Balotelli has no desire to return to Italian club football.
He said: “[Inter owner Massimo] Moratti always speaks well of me.
“I enjoy it, he has known me since I was 15. I thank him for that, but I am now at Manchester City and I see no other possibilities.
“When I was at Inter Milan I called my mother to solve every little problem. Now I have to go it alone.”
Balotelli also scoffed at suggestions he should seek professional help, claiming media coverage of his antics on and off the pitch is blown out of proportion.
He said: “A psychologist for me? I believe psychologists are important.
“Sometimes they can be very useful, but I don’t need one of them.
“Every day there is an exaggeration about me and I would like it to stop. I want to be judged for what I do on the field.”
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