Balotelli and Mancini have a husband-and-wife relationship, reveals agent

Nov 13, 2012 6:13:00 PM

The forward was left out of Manchester City's squad to face Tottenham, leading to speculation over his future, but his representative insists that he will be staying at the club

Mario Balotelli relationship with Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is like that between a husband and wife, according to the forward's agent.

The Italy international was left out of the City squad for the 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Sunday, prompting speculation that he could be set to depart the club in the January transfer window - possibly to AC Milan.

However, his agent, Mino Raiola, has revealed that, while the 22-year-old argues with Mancini, he will be remaining at the club.

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75/1	Mario Balotelli is 75/1 with Bet365 to score first in a 3-1 Italy win against France

"His relationship with Mancini is like that between a husband and his wife," Raiola told Radio CRC. "They argue but they love and respect each other so much.

"Everyone has their own ideas, but Mario will remain at Manchester City. He won't go to AC Milan.

"He will be a City player for at least another two-and-a-half years because Mario is not thinking about other clubs."

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7:44 PM BST

Florentino Perez also addressed Real Madrid's approach for Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti: "I want to express my utmost respect for the PSG and their owners. A few days ago, the CEO went to the PSG to see whether it was possible that he could come and they said no. That is an issue that we will address tomorrow, we have a few days to think on it. There are several candidates [not just Ancelotti]."

7:37 PM BST

The Florentino Perez press conference is complete. There will undoubtedly be a few straggling quotes knocking about which I've yet to put in here, I'll keep a look out.

In the meantime, get in touch on Twitter to have your say on whether you think sacking Jose Mourinho was the right choice by Real Madrid!

7:33 PM BST

Where next for Jose Mourinho?

The popular choice remains Chelsea but could Paris Saint-Germain do a straight swap for the Portuguese, with Carlo Ancelotti going the other way to Real Madrid? Or is there another club that you can picture the Portuguese trainer rocking up at?

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Portuguese trainers around the world can breathe a sarcastic sigh of relief. Real Madrid's club president has confirmed that Jose Mourinho's exit does not (why would it?!) rule out coaches from that country coming to the Bernabeu again someday: "We could have another Portuguese coach in future. This an open-minded club and there are no limitations."

7:29 PM BST

Florentino Perez refused to condemn Iker Casillas being dropped by Jose Mourinho as a major reason for the coach's imminent departure: "Regarding the [controversial] decisions he made, like benching Iker - he is our coach and he is the one who decides."

He also believes that Real Madrid have undoubtedly progressed under the former (and soon-to-be-returning?) Chelsea boss: "Everything is relative. From where we have come, we have taken a big step but we were lacking a little extra."

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