Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini suggests Mario Balotelli could still be a City player next season and has hinted at recalling him for this Monday's vital derby with Manchester United.
The Italian tactician intimated that his countryman may have played his final game for the club when he was sent off for two bookable offences against Arsenal on April 8 but has now back tracked that on those comments.
Mancini also said that the Etihad Stadium fixture, which could possibly define this season's title winners, may be a good time to throw the 21-year old firebrand back in the fray.
"With him anything anything is possible. It's difficult to say today if I will recall Balotelli but everyone is available and I will make my choice on Sunday."
He added: "It's like a family when a child does stupid things. The affection of the parents is still there.
"He's young and he commits big mistakes that can put the team in difficulty.
"But I still think he has great talent and I hope he will be a City player next season. It's all in his hands.""Despite some stupid things he has done, Mario has done some important things, like his double strike at Old Trafford this season (when City won 6-1)," he told France Football.
