Carlos Tevez has revealed that he is trying to help controversial Manchester City teammate Mario Balotelli on and off the pitch.

Balotelli's conduct was under the spotlight again last week following a highly-publicised spat with manager Roberto Mancini.

"I try to help Mario," Tevez told reporters. "I talk to him on and off the pitch. I talked to him just before a free kick we were about to take, and I let him take it so he could improve his confidence, so things can get better for him.

"I've been in that moment like him, so I'm always keen to help him and keep him going so he doesn't make the same mistakes."

Manchester City return to Premier League action on Sunday when they travel to Arsenal.