Roberto Mancini hailed Mario Balotelli after Sunday's heroics, insisting he can now be considered one of the world's top-five players.
Man City boss puts Italian in top-five players
Roberto Mancini hailed Mario Balotelli following his derby heroics, insisting he can now be considered as one of the top-five players in the world.
The Italian international had struggled to settle into life in England since his move in 2010, but this season he has started to show some genuine form.
The 21-year-old played a pivotal role in City's historic 6-1 win at Manchester United on Sunday, scoring the opening two goals at Old Trafford.
And Mancini feels that Balotelli is now showing that he is world-class, saying: "Mario played very well and we can put him in the top five players in the world.
"He is young and at his age he can make some mistakes. But as a player he is incredible.
"I hope the day arrives for Mario he changes his mind completely.
"Because when he does that he will become one of the best three players in the world, like Messi and Ronaldo."
Balotelli celebrated his first goal by revealing a T-shirt which read 'Why Always Me?' - which was a a reference to his frequent off-field controversies.
Crazy
"That's Mario," said Mancini. "But that's why he's so popular with the supporters - because he is crazy.
"He is crazy but I love him as a guy. Maybe if you take away that part of him it might take something away from him as a player.
"But I love him because he is good guy and he has everything to become a top player."
