Mario Balotelli: 'I've never been big-headed'

AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has insisted that he is far from arrogant and wants to focus on performing for club and country this season.

Balotelli has been in fine form for Milan since signing from Manchester City in January, scoring seven times in six Serie A matches.

The forward is currently on international duty with Italy and believes that his exploits for the Azzurri are helping to dispel a false public perception surrounding his character.

He told reporters at a pre-match press conference: "I've never had a big head. I do not consider myself to be the best in the world, nor the worst. I am me and that is enough.

"Thanks to the Italy squad and especially the Euros, now fans of other clubs are starting to like me too. I can see from the way they act around me.

"The Nazionale has something special, something more, and I am happy that the squad is getting younger. I have been changing for a while, it's just that before you couldn't see the improvements."

Italy are back in World Cup qualifying action tomorrow night with a trip to face Malta.