Mancini warns 'Euro star' Balotelli not to go back to his eccentric old ways

London, July 30 (ANI): Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has sternly warned key striker Mario Balotelli not to return to his old ways this season, and prove he has improved on his behaviour.

Balotelli played with discipline during Italy's march to the Euro 2012, scoring twice against the hot favourites Germany in the semi-final, before they were humbled 4-0 by Spain in the final.

It was a far cry from the Balotelli of last season who was over-involved in controversy on and off the pitch for Manchester City, earning two red cards and missing 11 games through suspension, and Mancini wants Balotelli to learn from his Euro experience.

"I think that Mario did well in the Euros. I think he played well and I hope those performances for Italy can help him to improve. Mario is one of the best strikers in Italy because we don't have, at the moment, another striker like him," The Daily Mirror quoted Mancini, as saying.

"I think that every time he plays well, like he did at the Euros, it's important for him because it can help him with his behaviour. Then hopefully he can understand that, if he improves his behaviour, he can be better at his job," he added.

"With the national team he is an important player, but for us also he's also an important player. We spent a lot of money on him, he's young and I think he can have a big future at Manchester City," he said.

Mancini further added: "It all depends on him, if he continues [to mature] in this way. He has everything. If he understands he can't do what he did last season against Arsenal and Tottenham [sent off in both games] and thinks only to play football, he can do really well." (ANI)