Mario Balotelli has rubbished rumours he will leave Manchester City this summer, insisting he is happy at the club.
Euros are the opportunity of a lifetime, claims Italy forward
Mario Balotelli has rubbished rumours he will leave Manchester City this summer, insisting he is happy at the club.
Reports in Italy have suggested Balotelli could be on his way to AC Milan as a makeweight in a deal to bring highly-rated defender Thiago Silva to the Etihad Stadium.
The 21-year-old forward is a self-confessed Milan fan but is under contract to City until 2015 and claims there is no truth in the reports.
"I play at Manchester City," Balotelli was quoted as saying in
Gazzetta dello Sport. "I am happy at City and I will remain there.
"I don't know anything. I haven't had any contact with them (Milan) in the past few years."
Although the Italy international does not appear to be leaving, he does welcome the idea of Rossoneri defender Silva moving in the opposite direction.
"If Thiago Silva was to arrive to City then for sure we would be stronger," he said.
Balotelli has had a mixed season, contributing 13 goals to City's title-winning campaign but being blamed for some of the low points along the way after being sent off at Arsenal.
Fed up
But after coming off the bench to set up Sergio Aguero's last-gasp winner to clinch the title against QPR, he is happy with his efforts.
"This year we were the strongest team and we deserved to win," he said. "As for my season, I give myself a pass mark.
"I am young and it is normal that I make mistakes.
"But with regards to the psychological aspect, I don't pay attention because I am fed up with what everyone says.
"I just have to improve tactically, mature and score always.
"In England they tend to exaggerate regarding what I do off the pitch. But those that love me know what I am really like.
"I'm just sorry for my mother because certain stories might upset her."
Euro 2012
Balotelli's current focus is on the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine this summer, as he has been included in Cesare Prandelli's preliminary squad.
There had been reports that Prandelli could be set to axe the controversial striker due to his ill-discipline but Balotelli claims he has a good relationship with the Azzurri coach.
"I never thought I would lose my place in the national team," he added. "I have always been in contact with the national coach.
"This tournament could be the opportunity of my life. But I don't feel an added responsibility.
"Prandelli just like (City coach Roberto) Mancini has given me a lot of confidence and waited for me and I cannot wait to repay that trust.
"I don't think I will ever leave him down to 10 men. I want to be a winner and give the fans some joy.
"I am really enthusiastic, the European Championship is very important for me."
