Balotelli transfer talk cools
February 07, 2012 12:33:41 UK
Mario Balotelli will be staying at Manchester City until at least the end of next season, according to the controversial Italian striker's agent.
After Balotelli was handed a four-match ban for stamping on Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker last month, his representative, Mino Raiola, hinted that the 21-year-old could leave the Premier League club because he felt "persecuted".
However, Raiola's stance has softened and he has now said: "As far as Mario is concerned, we have a strategy for him to stay at Manchester City for three years - which we are respecting in full.
"We hope that he will continue to play for them next season, even though you can never rule anything out."
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Balotelli joined City from Inter Milan in August 2010 for £24million and has rarely been out of the headlines ever since. He has found the net 15 times in 32 Premier League appearances for Roberto Mancini's side, who are now 1.10 to win the Premier League title this season.
Balotelli has scored 12 goals this season, but was sent off in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool in November before his latest indiscretion against Spurs.
City start their Europa League campaign later this month after finishing third in their Champions League group behind Bayern Munich and Napoli.
Mancini's side can be backed at 1213.00 to win Europe's secondary competition this season.
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