AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has moved to reject rumors linking him with a move away from the club.
Recent reports have suggested Balotelli is unsettled in Milan and is looking for a new challenge after joining the club from Manchester City last January. However, Balotelli insists he is happy at the San Siro and is giving little thought to his long-term future.
"I have always said that I do not watch out for the distant future," Balotelli told Sky Italia. "I am thinking about doing well against Genoa [at the weekend] and not about the market in either January or May. I am happy at Milan and I am happy to be here."
Balotelli, who has found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons throughout his colorful career, insists he is nothing like he is portrayed to be and that he is "normal as anybody".
"I'm a good lad," added Balotelli. "I'm as normal as anybody, just I'm in a situation where being normal is not permitted. You've got to be a man, you've got to be big and you are not allowed to get distracted in my surroundings. People are watching me, but I'm not bothered by it.
"I have a good character so I'm relaxed. I'm no longer like I was when I was younger."
AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has denied that Balotelli could leave the club in January. The striker has been linked in the Italian media with a possible move abroad and his agent Mino Raiola has suggested a possible reunion with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.
"He will not leave in January," Allegri said on www.acmilan.com. "Absolutely not. "I think Mario should be left in peace. It's not difficult to manage him. There's far too much discussion of the man's private life. I think that Balotelli should be judged for what he does on the pitch like all other players."
