Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli says no to Ghana

Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli has no intention of playing for Ghana, the Italy-born forward has said.                                           

The 19-year-old grew up in Italy but is of Ghanaian descent and would be eligible for a call-up because he has never played for the Azzurri at full international level. 

"I have never thought of playing for Ghana. If I go with a national team it will be Italy," Balotelli told a youth seminar.       

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has said he wanted to convince the Italy under-21 forward to play for his team at June''s World Cup in South Africa. 

Italy coach Marcello Lippi has so far avoided picking Balotelli, whose on-field antics have angered his coaches, rival players and opposition fans. 

He has also risked the wrath of his own Inter supporters by admitting he is an AC Milan fan and appearing in the stands at their Champions League defeat by Manchester United at the San Siro on Tuesday.

"I see nothing strange about it," Inter president Massimo Moratti told reporters.