Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has said that he is eager to repay manager Roberto Mancini for putting faith in him.

Balotelli, who starred under the Italian at Internazionale before joining him at the Manchester outfit in 2010, admits that he must not allow himself to do "stupid" things which could reflect on his manager.

"[Mancini] spent a lot to get me," he told Telefoot.

"I can't let myself do stupid things. He had great confidence in me, so I feel more responsibility.

"Every time I play, I'm pleased for myself, but I'm also pleased for him too. In football, I'm getting better technically. I used to be a complete disaster!"

Balotelli has scored 13 goals in 34 appearances since arriving at the Etihad Stadium at the start of last season.