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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed a deal to take striker Mario Balotelli to AC Milan is "close" and claimed the Italy international could go on to become one of the best players in the world.

Balotelli has been strongly linked with a move to Milan over the course of the January transfer window, with the Italian club already announcing a deal has been done for the 22-year-old.

And Mancini said after seeing his side draw 0-0 against QPR that the player looks destined to leave the Barclays Premier League champions.

"I think that they are very close (to a deal)," he said.

"We are also so sad because Mario was an important player for us.

"He is a fantastic player but I think for him this could an important chance to go back to Italy and play for another top club like Milan.

"I hope he can continue to improve because he can become one of the world's best players."

"It is difficult because I lost one important striker and that could be important in the next 14 games," Mancini said.

"But it is important for Mario - to be back in Italy, back with his family and to play for Milan.

"Milan started to talk to Manchester City in the last two days and they are very close.

"This is for Mario because we love Mario and he deserves to have this chance."

Asked if Balotelli has become too hard to manage, Mancini said: "No, no, no, not for me. For me, Mario was like another of my children.

"Mario is this but you can be upset with him sometimes.

"The club told me they had this from Milan. I spoke with Mario and I think he wanted this.

"I think for him after three years in England to come back to Italy will be good for him."

Mancini believes Balotelli has done "very well" in his time with City, but conceded this season has proved more difficult.

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