Balotelli refutes City exit rumours

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli denied reports he is set to leave the Eastlands club, vowing he will be there until at least the end of the season.

The 20-year-old Italian has had a frustrating start to life in the English Premier League since his arrival from Italian giants Inter Milan, with injuries and suspension restricting him to just four games.

Speculation was rife he was considering a move back to Italy after he was seen dining with AC Milan president Adriano Galliani while on international duty this week.

Balotelli admitted he had dinner with Galliani, but claimed reports he was considering a move to Milan – the club he supported as a boy – were wide of the mark.

“It’s true that I had supper with Galliani after the (Milan) derby,” Balotelli told Italian broadcaster Mediaset.

“But had I eaten with (Inter president Massimo) Moratti the media would have said that I was going to Inter.”

The marksman insisted he will be at City until at least the end of this season, and perhaps longer given he inked a long-term deal with the Manchester side in August.

“The likelihood is that I will be at City up to June,” Balotelli said. “I have a five-year contract and I can’t say anything.”