Mario Balotelli orders life-sized statue of himself

Mario Balotelli has reportedly ordered a life-sized statue of himself to be erected in his home.

The AC Milan striker has asked Italian artist Livio Scarpella to build the monument for him to keep at his house in Brescia, according to The Telegraph.

"I have received the commission, but I've never met Balotelli so I am working from photos," Scarpella told Il Giornale di Brescia.

"I have imagined him as an athlete from ancient times and the statue will be a mix of classical and pop style in platinum and coloured bronze with the eyes made of stones."

Reports have suggested that the sculpture will be based upon Balotelli's shirtless goal celebration for Italy against Germany in the semi-final of Euro 2012.