Roberto Mancini: 'Mario Balotelli will not leave Manchester City'

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has insisted that he will not sell striker Mario Balotelli in January.

The Italian criticised the 22-year-old for his disappointing performance against Manchester United in their 3-2 derby defeat at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.

"We are waiting for the moment he becomes aware of his talent," the Daily Mail quotes Mancini as saying. "That is why he is not for sale."

Mancini added that he is unlikely to be able to sign midfielder Daniele De Rossi from Roma next month.

"I don't believe he will leave at this point," he said.

Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola, has stressed that the Italy international will not leave City next month.