ALL PHOTOS+FULL REPORT: Mancini & Balotelli in training ground fight
manager Roberto Mancini were involved in an
explosive training ground bust-up on Thursday
morning.
The Italy international is understood to have
angered Mancini with a late challenge on team-
The 48-year-old confronted the
centre-forward and the pair had
to be separated by staff before
Balotelli left Carrington shortly
after.
Balotelli has been involved in
ground before, having previously
been photographed clashing
with Micah Richards.
The striker has been linked with
a potential January exit from Manchester City,
with AC Milan rumoured to be interested in
making a bid .
Until now, Mancini - one of the controversial star's
staunchest defenders - has insisted the 22-year-
old would not be sold, but recently indicated
Balotelli had to work harder in training.
"I think Mario will stay but the future depends
mostly on him," Mancini told La Gazzetta dello
Sport last week. "Sheikh Mansour likes Balotelli
because he recognises the talent and he exports
the name of the City over the world.
"We need to consider that Mario was made as a
major investment, and this is not a club that
throws its capital through the window.
"The relationship between me and him is always
good, even if one day he does something," he
continued.
"I love him because for many
years we live together. I've seen
him grow. But the professional
relationship is another thing and
I've told Mario what I need from
him.
"The time of cheap talk is over.
Balotelli is 22 years old and now
it's time to be professional. I ask from him
seriousness and commitment in training, a more
stable private life and correct behaviour on the
pitch."
Balotelli has been out of the first-team picture due
to an illness recently, and was set for a return to
the side when City face Watford in the FA Cup on
Saturday, before Thursday's incident.
by Taboola
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