Balotelli set for Manchester City stay

Manchester City have been given a huge boost after Mario Balotelli revealed his desire to remain at the Etihad Stadium.

The future of the Italian has come under intense scrutiny after his agent declared that a conspiracy against his player, following his four-match ban for a stamp on Scott Parker in the 3-2 win a fortnight ago, may cause the Italian to leave the England.

But the player's agent has moved to quell any speculation of a move back to his homeland.

Balotelli's short career at City has been rife with controversy, but despite his eccentric character, the 21-year-old has become increasingly important in Roberto Mancini's side's hunt for the title, weighing in with 12 goals this campaign.

Yet the dark side of Balotelli's game is never far from the surface and his most recent ban has sparked fears that he would quit City as he felt "persecuted", despite being contracted to the club until 2015.

Yesterday however, the striker's agent Mino Raiola told The Sun: "As far as Mario is concerned, we have a strategy for him to stay at Manchester City for three years — which we are respecting in full.

"We hope that he will continue to play for them next season, even though you can never rule anything out."