Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini insists Mario Balotelli retains his support.

Balotelli is again in the headlines this week after his antics on the weekend against Sunderland.

Mancini said: "There are some people who think bad things against other people, like Mario.

"Every time Mario does something, (it) is like a war.

"There are other people on and off the pitch that do worse than Mario and no-one says anything because maybe they play for an important team or are not like Mario."

Yet Mancini would much prefer it if the 21-year-old could play and then find a way to keep his private life out the news.

When asked if he tires of asking questions about his fellow Italian, Mancini, speaking at a press conference, said: "I would like Mario to play, score and finish the other situation.

"It is not maybe your [the media's] fault - it is his fault because if he wants he can play and stay at home. Like this, no people can ask about the other situation.

"I think many people have different behaviour with Mario."