Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has insisted that he will not sell striker Mario Balotelli this summer.
Balotelli, 21, endured a stormy relationship with Mancini at times last season, with the Italian manager hinting at selling the enigmatic striker after he was sent off in an important league match against Arsenal.
However, Mancini is adamant that neither he nor the club have considered selling the player after seeing him inspire Italy to a 2-1 win in the semi-final of Euro 2012 last night.
"I am very happy for Mario. He has shown his great value and I hope he wins the European Championship," Mancini told Rai Sport.
"I think we absolutely will not sell Balotelli. The club has never thought about selling a player they have invested heavily in.
"Mario is a young player, the City fans love him, and I think it is highly unlikely that he will leave."
Balotelli, who has scored 27 goals in 60 appearances for Manchester City, provided the assist for Sergio Aguero's last-gasp title-winning goal at the end of last season.
Barney Corkhill
