Last Updated: Sun, 07 Oct 2012 11:16
Roberto Mancini would not criticise Mario Balotelli after the striker walked straight down the tunnel after being substituted.
The Manchester City boss chose to replace Balotelli with Sergio Aguero in the early stages of the second-half, and the Italian manager's decision was justified almost immediately as Aguero grabbed City's second goal four minutes after his introduction.
Balotelli walked straight down the tunnel after his substitution in City's 3-0 win over Sunderland and reports have since emerged suggesting the striker booked a flight to Italy on Saturday.
Mancini, however, refused to criticise the Italian international and insisted he was happy with Balotelli's display.
"Mario worked a lot and he had a chance. I am happy with Mario, he played a good game," said Mancini.
Assistant boss David Platt admitted Balotelli should not have walked down the tunnel and revealed the striker was not removed from the action because of an injury.
He said: said: "I don't know why he walked down the tunnel. He wasn't injured. Should he have walked straight down the tunnel? No."
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