HOPING TO STAY ... Mario Balotelli

MANCHESTER CITY have no intention of selling Mario Balotelli this summer — according to his agent.

The Italian striker has been strongly linked with a return to Serie A this summer after a controversial season in England.

City boss Roberto Mancini revealed last weekend that he would consider flogging the 21-year-old after he was sent off in the 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal.

Balotelli later apologised for his behaviour and claimed he would only consider his future at the end of the season.

Balotelli’s agent Mino Raiola believes relations between the player and the club have now been smoothed over.

He said: “There is no intention by Manchester City to sell the player.

“He has always stated that he is happy in Manchester and finding his balance.

“Of course, that balance is lost when things don’t go well.

“I have spoken to Mario and to Mancini. There was a tense time between them but now all is calm.

“Mario has understood his mistakes in every sense, at times he makes mistakes without doing it on purpose.

“Much is expected from Mario and his sending off against Arsenal was negative due to his bad performance.”

Raiola does not rule out that Balotelli will return to Italy in the future but insists the player will remain at City next season.

He added: "Of course, he misses Italy and it’s only normal as his family and his friends are there.

“Manchester City has no intention of selling him, on the contrary, they want to grow together.

“I think that once Mario decides to return to Italy, there will be a big derby for his services.

“But right now is not the time, perhaps in one or two years’ time.

“Mario has to grow and he will do so in Manchester.”

Balotelli is under contract with City until June, 2015.