Agent: Balotelli staying at City

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will stay at the club despite interest from his homeland, according to his agent.

Speculation is growing the 22-year-old will be offloaded by manager Roberto Mancini with AC Milan linked with a bid.

Balotelli was left out of Sunday’s squad to face Tottenham at home but Mancini insisted that was done as part of the player’s rest and recovery.

And the striker’s agent Mino Raiola is adamant the player is committed to the club for the long term.

“His relationship with Mancini is like that between a husband and his wife,” he told Radio CRC.

“They argue but they love and respect each other so much.

“Everyone has their own ideas, but Mario will remain at Manchester City. He won’t go to AC Milan.

“He will be a City player for at least another two-and-a-half years because Mario is not thinking about other clubs.”

Despite Balotelli’s apparent struggles former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni believes he could become one of the world’s best.

“Balotelli is a very talented player but he needs to improve some aspects of his character,” the Parma boss, who was in charge of the Italian national team between 2006 and 2008, told Sky Sport Italia.

“If he were to do that, then he could become the best player in the world.”