The agent of Mario Balotelli denies he's about to be sold by Manchester City.

City boss Roberto Mancini axed Balotelli for victory over Tottenham on the weekend amid talk that he's run out of patience with the firebrand.

"He will not leave," assured agent Mino Raiola , however. "There is no player who loves not to play, but he accepted it. It's part of football.

"There is no question of a transfer to Italy and there are no plans. He serves his contract with Manchester City, period. That Sunday he did not play, does not mean he leaves."