AC Milan hit back furiously at Mario Balotelli Chelsea speculation

AC MILAN have hit back at speculation that Mario Balotelli could be in line for a shock move to Chelsea.

Mario Balotelli has been linked with a move to Chelsea [GETTY]

Express Sport reported yesterday that Balotelli is still in contact with his ex boss Jose Mourinho.

His agent, Mino Raiola, fuelled the rumours Balotelli could move back to the Premier League, when he said: "Balotelli and [Chelsea boss] Jose Mourinho could be reunited because they know each other and they didn’t leave each other with hate.

"There was a not very nice incident between them, but they parted company on good terms.
"They have remained in contact and there is mutual respect."

But AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has poured cold water on the idea Balotelli could leave the club in January.

Massimo Allegri insists Balotelli won't leave AC Milan in January [GETTY]

I think Mario should be left in peace. It's not difficult to manage him

Massimiliano Allegri

"He will not leave in January," Allegri said. "Absolutely not.
"I think Mario should be left in peace. It's not difficult to manage him.

"There's far too much discussion of the man's private life. I think that Balotelli should be judged for what he does on the pitch like all other players."

He also mentioned that too much shouldn't be read into the fact he was substituted in Sunday's 3-2 defeat at Parma.

Mario Balotelli has worked under Jose Mourinho before [GETTY]

He added: "It happens that players play badly but if you are Mario then everything is blown out of proportion.

"Mario didn't play well against Parma but I'm sure he will make amends against Lazio.
"He scored 12 goals in 13 games last year.
"In the first half of the season he has done great things."