Balotelli: ‘I’m not crazy, just a bit strange’

MARIO Balotelli insists he’s not “crazy”, although he does acknowledge that he “can do strange things” from time to time.

The Italian recently had to evacuate his house after fireworks were let off in his bathroom. And he was questioned by Naples prosecutors over a visit to the Camorra crime syndicate, after he allegedly said he saw bags of cocaine piled on a table.

Speaking at Italy’s training camp yesterday, the Manchester City striker was also asked about constantly ending up pictured on the gossip pages with an array of women.

Balotelli said: “The media tends to talk more about my private life than what I do on the pitch. It’s normal but it bothers me. I’m not crazy, not at all – even though I can do strange things.”

With Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi both out long-term because of injury, Italy are counting on Balotelli to lead their attack in their two friendlies, in Poland tomorrow night, and at home against Uruguay four days later.

The 21-year-old has scored five goals for Barclays Premier League leaders City this season, and has impressed with his workrate, but has yet to find the target in five Italy appearances.

“I always have pressure on me,” Balotelli said. “I’m ready to take responsibility.”

The son of Ghanaian immigrants, Balotelli faced racial taunts at Inter Milan despite being born and raised in Italy. “Racism is ignorance. I can only hope that certain things don’t happen again,” Balotelli said, adding that he doesn’t miss Serie A at all. “Serie A has fallen. The Premiership is a great league and I’m playing for the best squad. I don’t see my future in Italy.”