Balotelli 'to see psychiatrist'

Mario Balotelli is ready to seek professional help in order to save his Manchester City career, it has been claimed.

Mario too manic even for Fergie  

A newspaper is reporting that the troubled striker - currently serving a ban for his third sending off of the season - is willing to see a psychiatrist to cure the explosive temper which has driven Roberto Mancini to distraction and damaged City's title chances.

A friend is said to have told The Sun: "Mario doesn’t want to leave City but accepts he needs to get some help. By his own admission he is completely out of control.

“He’s even prepared to get professional help to sort his head out. He has enormous talent but he’s in serious danger of destroying his career.

“He is seriously concerned and realises he needs to address his problems or face the boot.”

Last week Mancini warned Balotelli he must change his ways if he is going to fulfil his pledge to remain with City.

In the immediate aftermath of Balotelli's dramatic appearance at Arsenal on Sunday, when he was sent off for two bookable offences and could have received a very hefty ban for a tackle on Alex Song that even Mancini admitted warranted a red card, the City boss said his young striker would be sold in the summer.

Balotelli has since apologised, claiming he remains committed to the Blues and does not want to go anywhere.

Mancini has accepted the words.

However, as Balotelli serves the second game of his three-match ban against Norwich tomorrow, the City manager indicated Balotelli's actions are of more value that mere words.

"We are happy but it doesn't change the situation," said Mancini.

"If he wants to stay he should change his mind.

"I spoke with Mario a lot of times about this.

"I don't think he can stay here for 10 years together with me. This is impossible. But if tomorrow, or in two or three years, he changes managers or squads, it is important he changes his behaviour.

"He has a lot of quality but he can lose it with his attitude."