Balotelli apologises for red card

The 21-year-old was sent off in the dying seconds of the 1-0 defeat at Emirates Stadium for clattering into Bacary Sagna, after earlier getting away with a knee-high challenge on Gunners midfielder Alex Song.

The loss dealt what could prove a fatal blow to City's English Premier League title hopes but could also have been Balotelli's final appearance for the club, with manager Roberto Mancini admitting he would "probably" sell the former Inter Milan man at the end of the season.

However, Balotelli, who was dropped by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli for February's friendly against the United States after being hit with a domestic ban for stamping on Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker, issued a statement in a bid to take the sting out of the situation.

"I'm really sorry for what happened and for the disappointment I've caused Manchester City, and particularly to Roberto Mancini, whom I respect and whom I love," the player said in a statement to Italy's ANSA news agency.

"I would like very much to play for the national team, but yesterday I committed two fouls - they were not reaction fouls. I have not broken (Prandelli's) code of ethics. I have already missed out on the national team for one stupid thing - I will not do it a second time."

"Regarding my future, we will see at the end of the season. I will talk with the club and we'll see.''

Balotelli's sending-off in north London, which came shortly after Mikel Arteta's late winner, earned the striker an automatic three match ban, and Mancini warned the player after the match that his entire career could be over in two years if he did not change his ways.

"He needs to change his behaviour if he wants to continue to play," the City boss said.

"I saw in my life a lot of players like Mario that are fantastic, arrogant guys. But, after, they lose all their talent like this and they finish in two or three years. Mario is this way."