Balotelli pleads for stay at Man City

Mario Balotelli wants to stay with Manchester City despite manager Roberto Mancini's belief that the controversial Italian striker could be sold in the summer. Balotelli's four red cards in two seasons, as well as a chequered life off the field, have exhausted Mancini's patience, but the player's agent Mino Raiola said his client wants to stay at Eastlands. "This is not the moment to return to Italy. Mario must progress and learn in England. We haven't asked for a transfer for Mario," Raiola told Sky Sport after being quizzed on whether or not Balotelli would return to Inter Milan or even sign for AC Milan. "Mancini has denied having said that he no longer wants to have anything to do with Mario. He expected a heavy suspension and can't use him again this season." Balotelli's latest red card came last weekend in City's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal where he was sent off for a wild lunge on Bacary Sagna. "There has been a moment of tension, but now the situation is calm (with Mancini)," added Raiola. "Mario must handle certain situations a lot better, not only with City but also the national team." Italian national coach Cesare Prandelli has already said that Balotelli's poor disciplinary record could cost him a place in the Euro 2012 squad.