Wednesday, 16th January, 2013
AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has backtracked on his criticism of Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.
Berlusconi ruled out the Rossoneri making a swoop for Balotelli recently, insisting he did not want a "bad apple" in the dressing room.
Milan have been linked with the Manchester City man and sources in Italy claimed they were quoted £37M by the Citizens, something which instantly ruled out any chance of a deal.
Now Berlusconi has sought to smooth relations with Balotelli though, insisting that he did not mean to criticise the Italy international and distancing himself from enquiries for the striker.
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"I was talking about the need to have a positive presence in the changing room. I wasn’t referring to Balotelli and I apologise if my words were taken as a criticism towards him", the Milan supremo told Sky Sport Italia.
"I have never been informed about someone at the club opening up talks with him and neither [Adriano] Galliani or [Massimiliano] Allgeri have pointed him out as a possible target."
Milan are in the market for January arrivals though and Berlusconi is crossing his fingers that they are able to get the players they want.
"I hope that new players will arrive", he said.
Who might AC Milan sign? We assess their top January transfer targets.
