Balotelli nearing Man City Exit following Mancini Fight

by KMG 07:10 0 Leave a comment chelsea epl sports transfers

The already fragile Manchester City career of Mario Balotelli may have reached breaking point after the Italian striker fought with manager Roberto Mancini today.
The pair were pictured at City's Carrington training ground pushing and pulling at each others clothes before being separated by colleagues. The Italian duo also appeared to enter into a furious stand-off with one another.
The shocking scenes came as the Premier League champions prepared for their FA Cup tie with Watford this weekend.
Reports suggest the incident started when Mancini reacted to a wild tackle from Balotelli on team-mate Scott Sinclair.
The incident comes with Balotelli's future at Manchester City already under speculation.
The former Inter Milan player has been used sparingly this season, finding the net just once in the Premier League.
The Italy international was also involved in a stand-off with the club after they fined him two-weeks wages for poor discipline. The 22-year-old eventually backed down, stating "respect" for Mancini as part of his decision.
A major reason why Balotelli is currently still at Manchester City is support from the club's owner, Sheikh Mansour.
In a recent interview with the Italian sports paper Gazzetta dello Sport, Mancini revealed that the sheikh is a fan of the 22-year-old who starred at Euro 2012, believing him to be a good export for the City brand. However, negative stories such as today's incident are perhaps not the kind of image Mansour will want to project.
"Sheikh Mansour likes Balotelli because he recognises his talent and he exports the name of Manchester City all over the world," Mancini said. "We need to consider that Mario was a major investment and we are not a club that throws its money out of the window.
Mancini also explained his own close relationship with the troubled striker but warned that he expected better, leading to concerns that today's incident could spell the end of Balotelli's City career.
"I love him because we have been together for many years and I have seen him grow up, but our professional relationship is another thing and I have told Mario what I need from him.
"The time for cheap talk is over. Balotelli is 22 and I am asking for more commitment in training, a more stable private life and correct behaviour on the pitch."