AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli is backing Manchester City to defeat Chelsea in next week's FA Cup semifinal.

Balotelli tasted FA Cup glory during his time at City.

"The FA Cup is a prestigious and important competition and winning it means to have glory for everyone, players, the whole team and the supporters," he told City's website.

"I have been lucky enough to experience another great moment against United (in that competition) that I have been very happy to share with my teammates and the great City supporters.

"Of course I hope that City can win the FA Cup, the team has the potential to do it and the boys deserve at least a trophy in this season."