Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini thinks that Mario Balotelli needs to act more professionally on and off the field.

The former Inter Milan star has constantly been in the headlines since his switch from Serie A last year, but mainly for his bizarre off-the-pitch actions as opposed to his performance in the Premier League.

"I think that Mario can improve every week, every month because he's young," said Mancini. "I would like that the New Year brings for him a different way that he can understand.

"If you want to play well at football, if you want to have a good private life you should have good behaviour always, not sometimes."

The Italian boss also reiterated that controversial striker Carlos Tevez will not be permitted to leave the club for AC Milan on a loan deal.

Written by
Danielle Joynson