Mancini tells Balotelli to grow up

MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini has ordered striker Mario Balotelli to cut out his mistakes or risk ruining his English soccer career.

Balotelli's first season in the Premier League has been marred by disciplinary problems on and off the field.

Mancini insists he retains faith in the 20–year–old, even if he has told him to change his ways.

In the build-up to Sunday’s home game against Sunderland, Mancini said: "I understand him. He is 20 years old, and at that age people can do stupid things.

"But maybe now the time has come for him to help himself, and to understand the mistakes he is making.

"If he does not, then everybody in England will begin to make him a target – starting with the referees."