Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 'Mario Balotelli is a special player'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes that Mario Balotelli will help Manchester City retain their Premier League title this season.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward, who played alongside the 22-year-old striker at Inter Milan, claims that the Italian is a key player for Roberto Mancini's side.

"He is a special player and a special talent," Ibrahimovic told the Daily Mail. "When Mario plays like he can, he will hurt any team in the world.

"Manchester City are already way behind Manchester United in the Premier League – but if any player can retain the title for them it is Mario.

"All the class that Manchester City have I would still say Mario is the most capable."

City are currently seven points behind United in second place.