The 21-year-old has become a figure of frustration at the Etihad Stadium as his discipline both on and off the field has often let down his manager and his team-mates at City.

The latest incident came in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Arsenal when he was sent off for a second yellow card, meaning he will serve a ban of  at least three matches.

This had led to reports of his exit from the club in the summer as Mancini was said to have finally lost patience with the Italian striker.

When asked if City plan to sell Balotelli at the end of the season, Mancini told reporters: "Probably.

"But I don't know. It depends, because Balotelli is a fantastic player. I can continue to play with Mario on the pitch. Every time, we risk one sent off, like today.

"But he can score also in the last minute."

He added: "I love him as a guy, I love him as a player, because I know him.

"He's not a bad guy. He's a fantastic player. But, at this moment, I'm very sorry for him because he continues to lose his talent, his quality.

"I hope, for him, that he can understand that he's in a bad way for his future, and he can change his behaviour."

Mancini also revealed he wants the Football Association to take further action against Balotelli following his horrendous tackle on Alex Song, despite escaping unpunished by referee Martin Atkinson.

"From the bench, at first I didn't see it but it was a bad tackle," Mancini said.

When asked if the FA should have a look at the incident and take disciplinary action, he said: "I hope."