Mario Balotelli denies Manchester City exit rumours

Mario Balotelli was a key figure in making the season so eventful (AFP)

Mario Balotelli wants to remain with the Premier League champions Manchester City.

There had been speculation last season that the Italian striker would return to his home country but the forward said: "I'm staying in Manchester. So I'd say no to Milan, not now, not in these years. I'm at City."

Balotelli is with the Italy squad preparing for the European Championship. The national coach, Cesare Prandelli, left him out for a friendly against the United States in February after the player received a four-match suspension for his stamp on Tottenham's Scott Parker. Balotelli added: "I will never leave the national team with 10 men."