Reformed Balotelli makes hero's return to Champions League

After being a public enemy at Manchester City the last time he played in Europe, Mario Balotelli returns tonight as their goal-scoring hero.

The young Italian was a zero in the eyes of his boss Roberto Mancini and City fans in March when he self-destructed spectacularly against Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League.

Even by his crazy standards, his reckless challenge was a moment of madness, which earned him a red card to end City’s European dream.

Eight months later, he is free to face Villarreal after completing his three-match ban and he has become the face of City’s continuing rise.

And goalkeeper Joe Hart is delighted he is now loved rather than loathed. Hart admits the striker is a “strange guy”, but is glad his critics are finally appreciating he is a fine footballer.

Balotelli has helped to replace Carlos Tevez’s goals for City and has scored five in his last six games and six in total.

“I’m happy he’s getting some love,” said Hart. “He’s had some strange press in the past, but then he’s a strange guy so I think it’s fair enough.

“But now he’s getting love for the right reasons. He’s a great footballer and I’m happy to see he’s getting praised. He’s getting the credit he deserves because he’s doing so well.”

Hart still has reservations about the man who returned with a lorry packed with goodies such as a trampoline and two scooters when sent out by his mum to buy a vacuum cleaner.

He cut a ridiculous pose on the flight out yesterday, wearing a hat, scarf and huge Jimmy Savile-style sunglasses.

“He won’t be in charge of our Christmas party,” joked the England No.1. “Nothing has been said yet, but it won’t be him.” Mancini knew exactly what he was signing when he bought Balotelli from his old club Inter Milan in August 2010 for £24million.

He had nurtured his precocious talent at the San Siro, handing him his debut when he was 17. Their relationship is like that of father and errant son and alternates between pats on the back or a kick up the backside.

“He is available for the first time this season,” said Mancini. “He can be an important player for us this time. He’s young and has already played many important games for us.

“I have known him since he was a lad. I launched his career at Inter and I wanted him here with me at City. He senses my trust. He is always very polite. Let’s not forget he is 21 and it’s not easy to be an icon.

“Technically he does not have to envy anyone but he does need to improve his attitude.”

Mancini resisted offers from AC Milan to sell Balotelli to his boyhood heroes and says he will remain at City for a while yet before going home.

“One day he will return to Italy, but not for a few years,” he said. “Playing at City will do him good. In the summer we had lots of interest from him from Italian clubs but we’re not giving anyone away.”

Mancini hopes Balotelli can continue his hot streak tonight and help City keep their Champions League dream alive.

He feels City’s next game away to Napoli will decide their fate, but knows they must first beat Villarreal.

“The match that will decide which team goes into the second stage will be the one in Naples,” he said.

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