AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has apologised to Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli for his "rotten apple" comments.

Berlusconi insists he was misquoted.

"I was misquoted," President Berlusconi insisted when asked about the Italian international striker. "If I offended him then I apologise.

"The description was not directed at him, it was expressed in the general context of things. I was talking about the fact that you need positive individuals in the changing room.

"A bid for Balotelli? I've never been told about the opening of a negotiation for him. Vice-President Adriano Galliani and Allegri have also never told me that he is a target of ours."