• Premier League

Balotelli needs a 'kick up the arse' - Mancini

ESPNsoccernet staff
December 31, 2011
Mario Balotelli has frequently found himself in the headlines this season © AFP
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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted that if Mario Balotelli was his son he would give him "a kick up the arse" for his smoking habit.

Balotelli, 21, has been no stranger to the limelight following a string of off-the-field misdemeanours, including recently escaping unharmed after his bathroom was set on fire by a firework.

His displays on the field, though, have been impressive, with the Italy international scoring six times in 17 Premier League appearances for Premier League leaders City.

Revelations that Balotelli smokes have again sparked debate over the forward's professionalism, but Mancini is relaxed over the issue, insisting he will not be taking any action to stop the habit.

"For me it is not ok but I am not his father," he said. "If he were my son, I would give him a kick up the arse but he is not my son.

"I have told him it is better that he doesn't smoke because I am always against cigarettes and that's why my son doesn't smoke.

"There are players in Italy who smoke and some over here but I don't think he smokes a lot - maybe five or six a day."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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