Roberto Mancini says Mario Balotelli must concentrate on the here and now and show his talent at Man City.
City boss tells Balotelli to concentrate on his work and improve
Roberto Mancini says Mario Balotelli must concentrate on the here and now and show his talent at Manchester City.
The striker has stirred controversy by admitting in new Italian newspaper
Extra Time that he would like to join AC Milan within two years, as well as claiming the ambitious Blues now have the world's best strikeforce in Edin Dzeko, Carlos Tevez and himself.
While Mancini accepts the 20-year-old, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, is entitled to his views, he insists he must work hard, improve and show his talent at Eastlands.
The City boss said: "I haven't read the interview so I don't know what he has said. But he likes to joke sometimes and these things are jokes.
Free world
"We live in a free world. If someone wants to say something, it is better that he does. I respect every opinion.
"We are not in a war. We are free to say what we want."
Balotelli is currently in the United States stepping up his rehabilitation work on the injury he sustained over Christmas.
Mancini added: "He is continuing to work and maybe he can come back to play in three or four weeks.
"It is important he shows his talent here. For his future it is important for him to improve and this is the best championship in the world."
