Royle thrilled by Balotelli departure
Former Manchester City player Joe Royle believes the club made the right decision in selling off Mario Balotelli.
By FOX SPORTS staff
The 22-year old has flown to Italy for a medical with AC Milan after Manchester City accepted the Rossoneri's arrangement of 17.5 million pounds plus add-ons for the striker.
Few are shocked at Balotelli's departure from the Etihad Stadium, with City fans unlikely to protest against the club's decision to sell away the former Inter Milan man either.
Royle told The Daily Express that he felt Roberto Mancini's team were much better off without Balotelli.
"I'll only remember him as a great penalty-taker. Apart from that, I have never understand what all the fuss is about," Royle said.
"He has got no work-rate. I have never seen a player walk as much as he does on the pitch. He doesn't score enough goals and there are too many headlines off the pitch, what with the parking fines, fireworks and silly T-shirts."
Besides Mancini, Italian national team manager Cesare Prandelli has also been a vocal supporter of the Palermo-born player. The former Fiorentina boss urged Balotelli to seize the opportunity to make a fresh start at the San Siro.
"Now a lot depends on him. He has everything he needs to show his true worth," Prandelli noted.
"It's what Mario was looking for. He has gone to a club which knows how to work with young players, including all the aspects off the pitch. Now it's up to him."