Roberto Mancini has admitted he has had no contact with Mario Balotelli since the striker moved from Manchester City to Milan.
The former Citizens boss sold the Italy international to the Rossoneri in January, but the tactician has claimed that he has a great relationship the 22-year-old.
Roberto Mancini has admitted he has had no contact with Mario Balotelli since the striker moved from Manchester City to Milan.
The former Citizens boss sold the Italy international to the Rossoneri in January, but the tactician has claimed that he has a great relationship the 22-year-old.
“We didn't get as many goals as we'd have liked from Mario,” he told Corriere dello Sport. “But for some time I realized that England was no longer good for him.
“He, like Luis Suarez, had been targeted by opponents, referees, the public.
“I swear nothing happened between us. I decided to play [in a training game] because there were odd numbers.
“And when I saw that Mario had kicked someone, I told him to leave. Thirty seconds of verbal confrontation became something that it wasn't.
“He is an extraordinary player. At 17 I handed him his debut at Inter. I took him to the Premier League at 21.
“You know what kind of relationship I have with him – I love him.
“But he needed to go home.”
Mancini then commented on his departure from the English club this summer.
“I never expected what happened. Sixty days have gone by and I still don't understand it.
“I thought I deserved more respect for the job I did at Manchester City.
“In three and a half years my staff and I did an extraordinary job. I am proud of my work there.
“We rebuilt a club that was not at the top level. They wanted to get into the Champions League, and I got them there.
“We won against all the great clubs – we beat Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford.
“For three years City played the best football in the Premier League.
“But Sheikh Mansour and Chairman Khaldoon are two great leaders, to whom I am forever grateful.”
The former Inter man concluded by remarking on his future.
“PSG? Sure, they are a great club. But I have had no contact.
“Monaco? I have never been contacted by them. They have a great Coach in Ranieri.
“Roma? Again, I have never had any direct contact. It is a great club, trying to rebuild.
“It would be an adventure that would have its own charm, I do not deny that. Never say never.”