Mario won’t miss City

Balotelli set to leave for Milan after throwing farewell party

LONDON: AC Milan look to have finally prised Mario Balotelli away from Manchester City.

The Premier League champions are expected to announce they have sold the hothead striker for around £17mil.

It is understood Milan could include former Spurs midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng on top of that fee.

Italian ace Balotelli threw a leaving party at his house for close pals on Sunday night.

He told them he was off to the San Siro and gave away mementos from his controversial stay at the Etihad.

City had been holding out for a much bigger return on the player they paid Inter £22mil for in August 2010.

But the relationship between Balotelli and City boss Roberto Mancini seems unsustainable.

Milan have been banking on City being prepared to cut their losses on the 22-year-old.

And agent Mino Raiola has done everything he can to make the move happen.

He said: “The truth about Mario? Ask the others because I can’t say. Until Jan 31 everything is possible.

“A loan deal has been excluded by their directors.”

On Sunday Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said: “At today’s price it’s 99.5% certain that he is not coming. The stock market is closed until tomorrow.”

But just 24 hours earlier Galliani had said the deal was “99.9%” dead.

And in Italy that softened stance was seen as a clear indication that Balotelli would soon join the

Rossoneri.

Milan coach Massi Allegri said: “Balotelli is a Manchester City player for now.

“If he comes, I’ll think about how to manage him.” — The Sun, London