Last Updated: 22nd September 2012
ROBERTO MANCINI has told Mario Balotelli that he can carry on puffing — as long as he lights up Manchester City with goals.
Striker Balotelli’s smoking habit is a source of irritation to the management — along with his temperament and rollercoaster form.
But boss Mancini says the cigs can stay if he starts finding the net on a more regular basis.
Mancini said: “If he smokes 10 cigarettes a day and scores two goals every game it is better.
"But I don’t like to smoke. If he wants to smoke it is his problem for his life.”
It is just another exasperating episode in the life of the endlessly controversial Balotelli.
MANCHESTER CITY boss says decision to use Italian striker sparingly is simply down to tactics
Yet Mancini insists he will stick by him and this summer he turned down three approaches for the £22million star, including one offer from big-spending Paris St Germain.
Mancini insisted: “My patience with him is endless.”
But smoker Balotelli was steaming in midweek when he was left out of the squad for the Champions League game with Real Madrid.
Mancini denied there had been any bust-up with the player, who had been pictured out the night before City set off for Madrid.
Read more:http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4550910/Roberto-Mancini-warns-smoker-Mario-Balotelli-he-has-to-light-up-Manchester-City-as-well.html#ixzz27DRJMCNN
