Mario Balotelli’s behaviour has not been good enough but he can be one of world’s best players – Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted Mario Balotelli‘s behaviour has been unacceptable so far in his time at Eastlands, but insists the Italian striker wants to improve on and off the field and become one of the world’s best players.

Balotelli has reportedly been fined by the club for throwing darts at youth team players, the latest in a string of misdemeanours.

Mancini has moved to support the former Inter striker, insisting he can become one of the world’s best players.

Speaking at a press conference, Mancini said: “I don’t regret bringing Mario here. His behaviour is usually not good enough but if he understands, it can be fantastic for him in England. He can be one of the best players in the world. It’s a part of life.

“I think he wants to show that he can change his behaviour. In the future he will be good.”

The former Inter boss is also hoping to welcome back a number of key defenders as the season draws to conclusion, with Micah Richards in contention to return in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.

“All the players came back today,” Mancini continued. “It’s possible that Micah could be fit for the FA Cup semi-final.

“I hope Micah can recover for the FA Cup semi-final. Jerome Boateng, may be available for the last two games.

“Pablo Zabaleta came back this morning. He’s ok now, as is his father. His father is most important for him at the moment.”

The 46-year-old Italian once again refused to be drawn on his own future, let alone that of loaned out striker Craig Bellamy, and instead said he remained focus on a strong finish to the season.

“I don’t know my future,” he said. “I don’t know Bellamy’s future. At the moment it’s all about the last eight games and semi-final.

“I think that now we can play one time a week and we have all the players, we have a good chance.

“We have the same target now as at the start of the season. We have a Champions League and a cup final. We could do both, why not?”