Balotelli has courted much controversy in recent times and last year angered Ferdinand with his celebrations after City beat United in the FA Cup.
“I don’t have anything against him,” he said. “He is a great player. I didn’t ever speak to him [at Wembley]. I was just celebrating, but not against them [United supporters]. I showed him the shirt of City and obviously he got angry with me.
“For me, what happened on the pitch stayed on the pitch and now we are friends like before. Or we respect each other anyway. I’m going to give him the handshake before the game like I give to everyone.”
