Mancini on Balotelli's exploits: 'Every time Mario does something, it's like a war'

Roberto Mancini says Mario Balotelli's exploits are blown out of all proportion by the media.

The 21-year-old has proved a constant source of headlines throughout his two seasons at City and has been on front as well as back pages of newspapers this week, after he admitted having a fling with Jennifer Thompson, the vice girl previously linked with Wayne Rooney.

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Mancini said: "There are some people who think bad things against other people, like Mario.

"Every time Mario does something, (it) is like a war.

"There are other people on and off the pitch that do worse than Mario and no-one says anything because maybe they play for an important team or are not like Mario."

Yet Mancini would much prefer it if the 21-year-old could play and then find a way to keep his private life out the news.

When asked if he tires of asking questions about his fellow Italian, Mancini, speaking at a press conference this morning, said: "I would like Mario to play, score and finish the other situation.

"It is not maybe your [the media's] fault - it is his fault because if he wants he can play and stay at home. Like this, no people can ask about the other situation.

"I think many people have different behaviour with Mario."

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