Patrice Evra: 'Mario Balotelli wants Italy return'

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has claimed that Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli wants a return to Italy.

Balotelli, 22, has been linked with a move away from the Premier League champions in the past week following reports of another fall-out with manager Roberto Mancini.

"Mario really misses Italy," Evra is quoted as saying by The Mirror.

"I don't know if he will stay in Manchester because he wants to return to his country. I am not his agent - I am only telling you how he feels.

"He is my rival in Manchester - I meet him a lot, I know him well. Off the pitch, we joke around and I take the mickey out of him."

Balotelli has scored two goals in 13 appearances for City this season.