Man City's Balotelli refuses to bite

Published Jan. 9, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is prepared to shrug off comments aimed at him by AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi.

Balotelli has been strongly linked with a move to Milan for some time, with speculation resurfacing during the current transfer window.

There would, however, appear to be little chance of the Italy international completing such a switch any time soon, with Berlusconi having openly criticized the fiery frontman.

When pressed on transfer rumors last week, Berlusconi said he was not convinced by Balotelli 'as a man' and has followed that up by branding the 22-year-old 'a rotten apple'.

Balotelli could have been forgiven for biting back at the Rossoneri supremo, given that he has only had positive things to say about Milan in the past, but his representative claims his focus is locked on returning to form and repaying City's faith in his ability.

Mino Raiola told Mediaset: "I talked with Mario and he was sorry to hear the words of Berlusconi. But Balotelli has asked me to be quiet because he appreciates that he is loved by the president at City.

"I know him well and he has a big heart. Berlusconi is free to have any opinion he wants, but it seems strange that he wishes to pass judgement on a person he doesn't know anything about."