Man City striker Mario Balotelli is a 'rotten apple', says AC Milan president Berlusconi

Mario Balotelli: A 'rotten apple' who could infect AC Milan, according to Silvio Berlusconi

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has killed off talk that the Italian club are interested in signing Mario Balotelli, describing the Manchester City forward as a "rotten apple".

Balotelli has been linked with a move to Milan as a possible replacement for the already-departed Pato and Robinho, who is expected to leave during the current transfer window, but Berlusconi has ruled the move out.

"The name of Balotelli never came into my thoughts, he is a rotten apple and could infect every group where he goes, even Milan."
Silvio Berlusconi 

The Rossoneri president said: "The name of Balotelli never came into my thoughts, he is a rotten apple and could infect every group where he goes, even Milan.
"I'm sorry to say this, but in Milan is very important to the human aspect. If you put a rotten apple in the locker room can infect all the others."
Italy international Balotelli has been out of favour at the Etihad following his lacklustre display in the Manchester derby against Manchester United and was recently pictured confronting manager Roberto Mancini during a training session.