Roberto Mancini insists Mario Balotelli has what it takes to become a legend in the English game.
City boss backing striker to become great
Roberto Mancini is insistent that Mario Balotelli has what it takes to become a legend in the English game.
Rumours are rife that Balotelli is unsettled at Manchester City, whilst speculation also claims that Mancini has been confronted by other members of the squad because of his perceived preferential treatment of the 20-year-old.
However, Mancini has defended the situation surrounding Balotelli, who joined the club for over £20million from Inter Milan in the summer.
Indeed Mancini feels that he will become as good as the likes of Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
"I know how good Mario can become. He could develop into one of the top players in the world within two years, because he has everything," said Mancini.
"He is young and needs time, but if he wants, he can become a top player.
"There are a few players in the past like him. Cantona, Ronaldo, Rooney. That is the level he can reach.
"I think if Mario uses his head and thinks clearly, he can do that. He just needs to change his character a bit. Not completely, but just enough.
"People will try to wind him up, but he needs to understand that he must show different behaviour on the pitch, because, if he plays every game, I think he will make a difference."
Treatment
And Mancini insists that Balotelli needs special treatment to get the best out of him, adding: "It is about getting the best out of him, and you have to remember he is still young.
"I can see a bit of myself in him at that age. I used to shout sometimes and get angry. When you are 20, it is impossible to behave well all the time.
"We are dealing with different personalities and characters, so, of course, I have a different approach, depending on the player. But there is no favouritism, and he is not crazy, as some people have suggested. He's just the same as other 20-year-olds.
"Patrick Vieira has helped him, and I think he is beginning to understand that he needs to stay on the pitch. I still say his sending-off at West Brom was not correct, but I also think that, after three, four or five games, he will appreciate that, if he shows good behaviour and doesn't argue with the referee, it will make a difference.
"If you make mistakes, you must pay. That's life, but hopefully you learn from mistakes."
Mancini is adamant stories linking Balotelli with a move back to Italy will not become reality, saying: "He is settled here, despite the rumours in Italy that he wants to go back.
"He went back to Italy when he was injured and when he was called up for the national team, but they have all been authorised trips."
