Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has insisted Mario Balotelli's long-term future is at Eastlands as the striker himself denied rumors of a move back to Italy with AC Milan.

Balotelli, 20, scored a hat-trick as City overcame Aston Villa 4-0 on Tuesday to maintain its bid for the Premier League title. The Italian striker has rarely been out of the headlines since arriving from European champion Inter Milan in a 24 million pounds ($37 million) pre-season move.

Balotelli has been involved in several on-field spats but Mancini is adamant his compatriot's miserable on-pitch demeanour is just an act and that he is satisfied with life in England.

"After the first goal he celebrated, which is a step forward," Mancini said after Tuesday's comprehensive home victory. "He celebrated after the first goal but it's more important that he scored goals.

"Every player has his behavior but I think he's happy. Mario is a good guy, but I think that today he was happy because the supporters supported him throughout the game.

"He's a different guy outside the pitch but he likes to give this hard, 'don't like to play' image."

Mancini said: "I think maybe he could be homesick because he's 20 and it's his first time away from his family and it's normal to miss your family.

"I don't think it's a long-term problem."

AFP

(China Daily 12/30/2010 page22)