Mario Balotelli Should Stop Smoking Says Roberto Mancini

Sunday, 23rd September, 2012

Roberto Mancini has advised Mario Balotelli to stop smoking, though admitted he does not feel strongly about the issue.

Balotelli has been criticised for his smoking habit and there was speculation last week that Mancini had fallen out with the Italian striker.

relatedNewsStory Mancini insists that is wide of the mark, but Balotelli was not included in Manchester City’s squad to face Real Madrid in the Champions League.

And though the former Inter boss would like his striker to get in line, giving up smoking too, he is not overly concerned.

"My patience for him is endless", Mancini was quoted as saying by the BBC.

"I haven’t told him to stop. I don’t smoke. I don’t like to smoke. If he wants to smoke, that is his problem. It is his life.

"But if he smokes 10 cigarettes a day and scores two goals in every game, it is better."

Balotelli could have a key role to play for the Citizens later today, when they take on Arsenal in what is a key Premier League clash.