This week Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has revealed he intends to stay at the Etihad Stadium beyond the summer, despite rumours of a potential return to the Serie A.

But is this good news for the Citizens, who have been through a lot with the controversial Italian international since his arrival in the Premier League?

There is no doubting the player’s ability as a footballer, with Balotelli showing glimpses of brilliance in the top flight this term, as City continue to battle with their arch rivals Manchester United for the Premier League crown. If he plays to his potential then there is no reason why he cannot be a contender in the top scorer betting week in week out.

However, on and off field rows with team-mates, fireworks in bathrooms and a less than impressive disciplinary record have more than rightly called into question the 21-year-old’s temperament and attitude towards the game.

You do sometimes look at Balotelli on the field and question whether he actually wants to be there, playing in one of the biggest leagues in world football? Or he just wants to watch football live  from his mansion?

There has been plenty of speculation linking the striker with a return to his former club Inter or even a move to their city rivals AC Milan.

However the forward who does not shy away from controversy, is adamant he will be in a sky blue shirt next season.

He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “My future? Why do you always talk of Inter and Milan for me? I’m at City and I have no intention of changing shirt.

“Now I am just thinking about winning the title because I am sure that United will make mistakes.

“Certainly in the match with us, then, who knows.”

If manager Roberto Mancini can resolve Balotelli’s disciplinary issues then he would certainly be an asset for the side but on current form you have to question whether the youngster is more trouble than he’s worth

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After seeing off established powerhouses Manchester United and Schalke many believe Athletic Bilbao will now go on to clinch this season’s Europa League title, although Sporting Lisbon will certainly have something to say about that.
The Portuguese giants stand in the way between Bilbao and a surprise place in the final of the competition – something not many would have backed to happen on Betfair at the beginning of the season. With Valencia and Athletico Madrid battling it out in the other semi-final, Bilbao will be hoping to make this year’s Europa League final an all-Spanish affair.
The Basque club have gained many admirers for their attacking, mainly home-grown squad, topped off by having prolific front-man Fernando Llorente in the sort of form that could see him start this summer’s European Championships as Spain’s main striker.
With six goals already in the tournament, Llorente will have been targeted by Sporting as their main threat, although Bilbao boast a number of players capable of changing a game in a split second. It has been their defence that has been often caught out by opponents, something the Portuguese side will be looking to exploit.
The club’s La Liga form has began to drift off towards the end of the season, making it clear Unai Emery’s men are now fully focused on their European campaign and willing to let their domestic season just filter out.
Valencia are still many people’s favourite for the title looking at the Betfair Europa League markets .
But that won’t stop Bilbao’s confidence should they come up against their compatriots in the final. Reaching the last four of the tournament would have been stuff of dreams for the club at the beginning of their campaign and the pressure if well and truly off the players, which could prove to be the difference in their semi-final clash. Read more

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