I will not censure Mario Balotelli, says Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini

I will not censure Mario Balotelli, says Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insists he has no problem with Mario Balotelli's liking for stirring controversy.

Courting controversy: Mario Balotelli (left) seems to like self publicity Photo: AFP

By Telegraph staff and agencies 10:59AM GMT 20 Jan 2011

The outspoken Balotelli was at it again this week, declaring in an interview with new Italian newspaper Extra Time that he was part of the best strike force in the world and that Wayne Rooney was not even the number one forward in Manchester.

Maybe it was not the wisest comment from a player who is again sidelined with a knee injury. But Mancini remains unconcerned.

"I haven't read the interview so I don't know what he has said," Mancini said. "But he likes to joke sometimes and these things are jokes.

"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 stepping up his rehabilitation work on the injury he sustained over Christmas.

It could be another month before the Italian is in action again, when Mancini would like to see him perform to his potential on a regular basis.

"He is continuing to work and maybe he can come back to play in three or four weeks," he 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."

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