Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said that he doesn't understand 'strange' Mario Balotelli.

The striker, who is never far away from the headlines, is likely to start for City in their third round FA Cup tie at home to Manchester United on Sunday.

Despite the controversy that surrounds him, Mancini hopes that the Italian fulfils his potential.

"He is a strange man. A good man, a kind man, but I do not understand him," he told the Daily Mail. "It feels as if I need my own special translator, just for Mario.

"He is an incredible player but he does not understand his strength, what he could achieve as a player. Maybe he needs more time.

"Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, these are the players whose talent is up there with Mario, but they are clever, they know the career is short and it is no use waiting until you are 40 before you realise how good you were."

City's FA Cup triumph last season saw them claim their first major trophy for 35 years.