Two Italian giants from the same city, AC Milan and Inter Milan, will engage in a transfer tussle over the Manchester City star, according to the Mirror.
"AC Milan and Inter are preparing to slug it out this summer to take troubled striker Mario Balotelli back to Italy," the Mirror reports. "Both Milan clubs are ready to launch £20 million ($31.8 million) bids for Balotelli, whose controversial two-year spell at Manchester City looks over."
Balotelli joined City from Inter Milan in August 2010 for £24 million ($38.2 million). Days after signing with the world's richest club, the Italian crashed his car on the way to practice. When asked by police why he was carrying £5,000 ($7,950) cash, he reportedly responded: "Because I am rich."
It was just the first of many on and off-field incidents that have tested the patience of both manger Roberto Mancini and his City teammates. Balotelli's hijinks have made headlines, but recent reports paint him as a divisive figure in the City camp.
Balotelli has largely adapted to the on-field rigors of English soccer. The highly rated 21-year-old has become a key player in the City team, notching 17 goals in 31 games this season.
But his lack of on-field discipline may be a bigger problem than his off-field antics. He was sent off during Sunday's 1-0 loss to Arsenal. His caution count over two seasons in the English game is astonishing, having racked up 22 yellow and four red cards.
Balotelli has said little about his own future, but the Daily Mail reports he spoke about his personal goals for the coming months in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
"… I am certain that I will find the positive energy to make the best run for the title with Manchester City, and prepare in the best way for the European Championship."
It was interesting that he was not thinking beyond the summer. He is most likely waiting for City to make a decision on Mancini's fate after the season. The Italian tactician's job may be under threat after City slipped and fell behind Manchester United in the Premier League title race. City currently trails United by five points with five games left to play.
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