Mancini dismisses Mario rumors

Roberto Mancini has dismissed reports linking Mario Balotelli with AC Milan and said it is "unlikely" Manchester City will sell the striker.

Balotelli has endured a rollercoaster ride during his time at City having missed the early stages of his Eastlands career with a knee injury.

He returned to action and scored his first Premier League goals in a 2-0 win at West Brom before seeing red, while he also bagged a hat-trick against Aston Villa before suffering further knee problems.

Balotelli was then foolishly sent off for a ridiculous high challenge on Dynamo Kiev's Goran Popov in the Europa League last week.

The Italian has been linked with AC Milan, but Mancini expects the striker to stay put.

"The problem is that it's written that the Rossoneri want him and that there's an agreement, it creates confusion and tension," explained Mancini to 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."