Balotelli Makes Public Apology - But Is It Enough?

Mario Balotelli has made a public apology for his latest petulant behaviour. The question now is will he feature at Chelsea and the City fans begin to forgive him?

The 20 year old Italian striker who was given a straight red for a chest high kick against Dynamo Kyiv told the MCFC official website:

'I'm very sorry to my teammates in particular that I got sent off so early in such an important game...I should have showed more consideration, but I was so involved in the game. It was not a good way to repay the manager who has shown so much faith in me or the owners and fans who have made me so welcome since I arrived from Italy.

'I hope they forgive me and see that I want success with Manchester City. From my injury on I have had some difficulties. It is not an easy period for me but I will overcome it with the help of everybody.'

Dutch midfield enforcer Nigel De Jong who has returned from injury in brlliant shape advised:

'We are there to help him, not to criticise him or blast him away. He is still a young lad and has a lot to learn. But he has experienced guys around him and has to listen to them.'

But can City boss Roberto Mancini risk starting the wayward Balotelli in a match again this season with so much at stake?

The Citizens head to Stamford Bridge tomorrow knowing that with both Arsenal and Spurs dropping two crucial points each on Saturday that a fourth consecutive win over Chelsea would take them 7 points clear of 5th place, thus strengthening the claim for a top four finish. The rags of course registered yet another fortuitous win.

De Jong is in no doubt of what City face in London:

'I think they will come at us 200 per cent...We just have to make sure that we are focused enough to win the game. We've just got to pick ourselves up and do our normal jobs. We have to be prepared to go to war with Chelsea.'


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