• Serie A

Balotelli: Writing 'Dad' gave me an explosion of emotion

Mario Balotelli has refused to accept he was the father of the child © PA Photos

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Mario Balotelli has written an open letter after DNA results confirmed he is the father to a child of his ex-girlfriend.

The fiery AC Milan striker has been involved in a bitter battle with his former partner Raffaella Fico, after she confirmed Balotelli was the father of baby Pia. Balotelli had refused to acknowledge he was the father of the girl born on December 2012.

But after the pair argued in the Italian media, Balotelli tweeted that he was the father, saying: "Finally the TRUTH :-) ??...PIA... Sweet child of mine !!! your Dad."

And now, the former Manchester City man has written an open letter, which read: "As I had said, if the tribunal confirmed I was Pia's father, I am ready to take my responsibility.

"I want to do it in silence, far away from everything that is media-related, when dealing with such an important rapport as the one that ties a parent to their child.

"I will not take part in any TV shows, because my work is performed on a pitch. I don't want any speculation on this matter.

"I wrote about the DNA results on Twitter because I grew up with manners, values and know the value of the words 'love' and 'affection.'

"Writing 'Dad' gave me an explosion of emotion, but now I want to keep this joy for myself. I hope my silence can help to avoid any further controversy on TV or in the papers.

"I hope my silence can help people understand there is a child here who doesn't know how the media or television worlds work. I hope my few words can help to definitively put an end to this affair. With affection, Mario, who today waits for his daughter far away from the media spotlight and hopefully one day on the touchline to cheer on Milan and her daddy."

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