Balotelli was named man of the match after City beat Stoke to win their first trophy in 35 years 10 days ago.
Last sighting: Balotelli's final appearance for City was at Wembley
But despite receiving a letter from City chief executive Garry Cook instructing him that he must attend last night's parade and town hall reception, the 20-year-old flew home to Italy on Sunday morning.
Carlos Tevez was there to parade the FA Cup despite suggestions he, too, would be missing.
Tevez also issued a statement that said: 'In my mind, there was never a question as to whether I would be there. No one had to persuade me because I simply wouldn't have missed this event.'
Talking the talk: Mancini addresses the crowd at Eastlands (left) while Tevez laps up the praise (right)
Balotelli heaped further embarrassment on City by also skipping the player of the year dinner on Sunday night. In his absence, Micah Richards had to pick up the young player of the year award on his team-mate's behalf.
There were conflicting stories coming from Eastlands as to why Balotelli had performed yet another flit back to his native Italy.
Party time: Tevez and Kompany lift the trophy (above) and fireworks burst from the Eastlands roof (below)
Assistant manager Brian Kidd, for example, claimed it was for 'family reasons' - something that was not confirmed by club officials and was categorically denied by sources close to the player.
What does appear certain is that Balotelli did have the permission of his manager Roberto Mancini to miss the parade, something that will not have gone down wellwith Cook - who wrote to all the players himself.
History: The streets of Manchester were packed to greet the City players (above) who delivered the club's first silverware for 35 years (below)
Belgium defender Vincent Kompany skipped a day's training with his national team in order to attend, although Germany defender Jerome Boateng - linked with a move to Bayern Munich - was another unexplained absentee from the celebrations.
Turn the volume up: City fans have a message for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
?I just had to be here... Delighted Tevez joins in with City's historic FA Cup paradeAudacious Boca Juniors line up bid to sign Tevez from Manchester CityManchester City trump Barcelona in snapping up Suarez from Celta Vigo All the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion
?Explore more:People: Carlos Tevez, Vincent Kompany, Brian Kidd, Roberto Mancini, Mario Balotelli Places: Germany, Italy, Belgium
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail