Mancini: Balotelli is going nowhere

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has denied he ever considered selling striker Mario Balotelli in January.

Mancini said the 22-year-old, who struck his first goal of the season in the 2-0 win over Wigan on Wednesday night, he has an important part to play for the rest of the season.

Mancini chose to take Sergio Aguero off rather than the Italian before the first goal and the gamble paid off.

Both Inter and AC Milan have been linked with a move for Balotelli in recent weeks, but Mancini has dismissed any possibility of the striker leaving inthe upcoming transfer window.

“No it’s not true. It’s his first goal this season and I hope he can improve after this game,” Mancini told reporters.

“We have four top strikers but we’ve had some difficulty scoring goals like we did last season. I hope we can move on from this.

“The season is very long, and if a lot of teams are playing in the Champions League in February it can change everything.

“We are at the top with United at the moment but I think Chelsea can fight for the title as well.”

The victory over Wigan at the DW Stadium ensured that City kept pace with Manchester United at the top of the table, sitting just a point behind their rivals having played 14 games each.