Sorry Balotelli appeals for forgiveness

Mario Balotelli has apologised to Italy coach Cesare Prandelli and Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini for his sending off against Arsenal.

The striker picked up his fourth red card in two seasons with City in the closing stages of Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League defeat at the Emirtaes, casting further doubt over his future in Manchester and the Italian national team.

Balotelli, who was overlooked for Italy’s February friendly against the United States, is now seeking forgiveness in the hope that he will be given the opportunity to represent his country at Euro 2012.

“I want so much to be recalled to the national team; for me this is the most important thing,” the enigmatic forward told ANSA through his agent, Mino Raiola.

“I hope to be back in blue in April. I have already lost out on a call-up to the national team once. I don’t want to do it for a second time.

“I am very sorry for what happened, for disappointing Manchester City and in particular Roberto Mancini, whom I respect and whom I love.”

After Sunday’s defeat, Mancini said City will ‘probably’ sell Balotelli in the off-season, while Prandelli had also previously stated that the striker’s selection for Euro 2012 is in doubt because of his ill-tempered behaviour.