• Premier League

Mancini laughs off Balotelli 'jokes'

ESPN staff
January 20, 2011
Roberto Mancini has laughed off Mario Balotelli's recent comments, but warned the striker he must show his top form when he recovers from injury © PA Photos
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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has played down recent comments from injured striker Mario Balotelli, noting the Italian has always liked a joke.

Balotelli stirred controversy recently by questioning the managerial techniques of Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who worked with the 20-year-old while both men were at Inter Milan. He also took a swipe at Wayne Rooney, dismissing him as not even the best striker in Manchester.

The former statement provoked a sharp response from Cristiano Ronaldo, but Mancini professed not to have heard Balotelli's comments.

"I haven't read the interview so I don't know what he has said. But he likes to joke sometimes and these things are jokes," Mancini said. "We live in a free world. If someone wants to say something, it is better that he does. I respect every opinion. We are not in a war. We are free to say what we want."

Balotelli is currently in the United States as he recovers from a knee injury sustained over the Christmas period. Mancini expects his charge back by the middle of February, and hopes he will quickly find his best form after an inconsistent start to life in the Premier League.

"He is continuing to work and maybe he can come back to play in three or four weeks," Mancini said. "It is important he shows his talent here. For his future it is important for him to improve and this is the best championship in the world."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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