No response from Balotelli

Mario Balotelli will not be distracted by comments aimed at him by AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi, his agent has said.

The Rossoneri supremo was quoted as saying the controversial 22-year-old Manchester City striker was a "rotten apple" and would not be approaching Etihad officials about a move for the Italy international.

Balotelli is quoted 350/1 in the Premier League top goalscorer betting, while City can be backed at 3/1 to defend their domestic crown.

A training-ground bust-up with manager Roberto Mancini has reignited speculation about the future of Balotelli in England, but a brace for the Under-21 side against Blackburn this week has put him in contention for the Premier League trip to north London to take on Arsenal on Sunday.

Mancini played down the incident and promised to give Balotelli "100 more chances" with the reigning champions, while Berlusconi suggested the fiery striker could "infect" the San Siro dressing-room.

His representative said Balotelli would not be drawn on the comments and his focus was to win back the faith shown in him by Mancini.

Mino Raiola told Mediaset: "I talked with Mario and he was sorry to hear the words of Berlusconi. But Balotelli has asked me to be quiet because he appreciates that he is loved by the president at City.

"I know him well and he has a big heart. Berlusconi is free to have any opinion he wants, but it seems strange that he wishes to pass judgement on a person he doesn't know anything about."

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