The club had reportedly instructed their young academy players to follow the examples of Joe Hart and Gareth Barry instead of the now infamous Balotelli.
But Balotelli, never one to shy away from the spotlight, fired back at Marwood. He told Italian TV network Rai Sport,
"I'm fine at Manchester City even though there are people who like to talk in the newspapers, instead of saying certain things to my face. I don't give a damn."
The Italian international has occupied the front pages almost as often as the back pages in his career both in Italiy at Inter Milan and since his move to the Etihad in 2010.
But the player claims he has a strong relationship with manager Roberto Mancini who brought him from Inter where he had encountered him as a young and often troubled boy.
He continued,
"With Mancini all goes well, we have a good relationship even though someone always tries to put discord among us. We love each other."
A match made in heaven it might be for the player but there's little doubt Roberto Mancini may view the relationship as somewhat cumbersome at times. Balotelli's numerous tantrums and lack of discipline both on and off the field have left his manager red-faced on several occasions.
But the Italian coach does seem to know how to get the best out of his player. Balotelli has 28 goals in his 63 appearances for City, something which he will be looking to improve on this season.
I'm sure Mancini would much rather Mario do his talking on the pitch than through the media but, as he has no doubt understood by now, there's no changing Balotelli.
How to solve a problem like Mario? Perhaps you surround him with professionals of the highest standard and hope a bit of their ethic and decorum rubs off. Or you could always just opt for a damage limitation policy. Either way, I'm sure we can expect a whole host of new and improved antics this season from the striker.
Although, having only made 3 appearances for City so far this season, perhaps his next t-shirt slogan should be:
"Why not me?"
image: © praguegallagher
Jenny Leigh
@backpagenewsmore stories from Jenny Leigh
Jennifer is a freelance writer and filmmaker from London with a great passion for football - the game, the business, and the culture. Jennifer hopes to provide readership with a high standard of news, analysis, and opinion over a range of football events, stories, and issues.
The Alchemists: Three Central Bankers and a World on Fire
Hubris: How HBOS Wrecked the Best Bank in Britain
