Balotelli on thin ice - Mancini (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Balotelli on thin ice - Mancini

1:24pm Friday 13th April 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2013

Roberto Mancini has warned controversial striker Mario Balotelli he must change his ways if he is going to fulfil his pledge to remain with Manchester City.

In the immediate aftermath of Balotelli's dramatic appearance at Arsenal on Sunday - when he was sent off for two bookable offences and could have received a very hefty ban for a tackle on Alex Song that even Mancini admitted warranted a red card - the City boss said his young striker would be sold in the summer. Balotelli has since apologised.

Mancini accepted the apology, but said: "We are happy but it doesn't change the situation. If he wants to stay he should change his mind. I spoke with Mario a lot of times about this."

The City boss added: "I don't think he can stay here for 10 years together with me. This is impossible. But if tomorrow, or in two or three years, he changes managers or squads, it is important he changes his behaviour.

"He has a lot of quality but he can lose it with his attitude."