Mancini: Balotelli is the future of Man City

Roberto Mancini thinks that Mario Balotelli is the future of Manchester City, and that the player should stay at the Etihad Stadium for the forseeable future. But Mancini did admit that he expects the Italian to return to his homeland one day.

Balotelli joined in the summer of 2010 from Inter Milan, and initially struggled adapting to life in the Premier League. However, this season the Italian international has finally begun to show the promise that persuaded Mancini to spend 20m GBP on the talented frontman.


"Sooner or later, Balotelli will go back to Italy," Roberto Mancini told Corriere della Sera on Tuesday. "That is for sure. However, it won't happen for a few more years and it will do him good to remain at Manchester City for the time being.


"We did receive various offers for him from Italian clubs over the summer, but we don't sell anybody here.


"He scored two goals in the derby, he is scoring in every game. As a player he is fantastic and for the supporters that is what matters."