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Mario Balotelli not taken aback by Manchester City sacking Roberto Mancini
AC MILAN forward Mario Balotelli admits he is not 'surprised' that Manchester City decided to dismiss Roberto Mancini.
Balotelli, who was signed by Mancini for £24m in 2010, had a fractious relationship with Mancini before he was sold to Milan in the January transfer window.
A 1-0 FA Cup final defeat against Wigan at the weekend proved to be the final straw for Mancini, as he was sacked on Monday.
Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini appears to be the overwhelming favourite to replace the Italian, as he has been given permission to move on.
In an interview with American news channel CNN, Balotelli said: "I am not really surprised but when I was with him he was a great manager and we had one of the best teams I have played with, the best players.
"I don't know why they didn't win. But obviously there were some problems inside. I am here [Milan] so I don't know."
Brian Kidd is in charge of first-team affairs until City appoint Mancini's successor.