Manchester City manager Robert Mancini expressed his sadness at the exit of Mario Balotelli after it was confirmed that the Italian had agreed a move to AC Milan.
Balotelli is expected to officially complete the move Wednesday, with Milan agreeing a £17 million ($27 million) fee with City. The striker will put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Mancini, who has been the biggest supporter of Balotelli, during the Italian's troubled time in England, said he was extremely sad to see his protégé leave City, but admitted it was the right move.
"We are all so sad because Mario was an important player for us," said Mancini after seeing his side play out a disappointing goalless draw against QPR. "With Mario we won the Premier League and the FA Cup in two years.
"He's a fantastic player but, for him, this could be an important chance to go back to Italy and play for a big club in Milan. It will be a good chance for him to stay with his family, to play for Milan. I think he can improve and I'm happy he will become one of the best players in the world.
"We talked. The club asked me what's best for me. I spoke with Mario and I think he wanted this. After three years in England, to go back to Italy will be good for him. We love Mario and he deserves to have this chance.
"For me, Mario was like another one of my children. I gave him his start in Serie A with me at 17 (with Inter Milan). You can be upset with him sometimes but afterwards he's a lovely lad. I've invested a lot of time with all the players. With Mario, maybe more.
Mancini insisted Balotelli would always be a part of the history of the club.
"I think that Mario is in the history of the club because we won three trophies in two and a half years and he scored important goals in big matches like Manchester United away," the Italian added. "He did very well.
"All the players (will miss him). When he left the hotel, they were really sad. Mario is a good guy. He lived with us for three years.
"It was a difficult decision because I've lost one striker, an important striker. He could have been important in the next 14 games. But it's important for Mario to go back to Italy.
"Saying goodbye was emotional, but it's normal. When I say that I love Mario, and all his teammates love him, it's true."
