• Premier League

Balotelli told to curb wild ways

ESPN staff
December 20, 2011
Mario Balotelli scored a classy goal against Chelsea last week © PA Photos
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Roberto Mancini has warned striker Mario Balotelli that he must curb his wild lifestyle if he is to fulfil his potential.

Balotelli arrived at City in the summer of 2010 and brought with him a sizeable amount of baggage. His first season was far from ideal, but he has looked a more mature character on the field this season - which has been reflected in his performances.

But he has still courted controversy off the field, including an incident in which his bathroom caught fire after a fireworks display, and Mancini feels such issues are holding the forward back.

"I think Mario can improve every week, every month because he is young and when you are young you can improve," Mancini said. "I would like that the new year can bring for him a different way that he can understand that if he wants to play well, then he has to have a good private life and good behaviour always - not just sometimes but always.

"Every top player has a good private life and a good behaviour. They are the first in training every day. This is the way it needs to be for him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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