Mancini backs Balotelli's transfer from City to Milan

Roberto Mancini admitted he will be disappointed to see Mario Balotelli leave Manchester City for AC Milan but insisted the move is in the best interest of the Italy forward.

Balotelli was missing from English champion City's scoreless Premier League draw away to Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Tuesday as his reported $30 million transfer was finalized.

The striker's spell at the Eastlands has been marked by a succession of controversies on and off the pitch, but City manager Mancini insisted his side would miss the erratic player during the final weeks of the season.