Balotelli’s pal knifed to death in own home

Woman is arrested on suspicion of murder

A FRIEND of former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has died at home from a suspected stab wound to the heart.

Tragic Mayowa Ogunbayo, 29, was found by ambulance crews inside the flat he shared with his fiancee.

The businessman, who is seen on social media joking with Italian international Balotelli, was pronounced dead at the scene nearly an hour later.

Police said they had arrested a woman, 21, on suspicion of murder.

She was bailed until

November as investigations continue.

A Met Police spokesman added that the death in

Park Royal,

North West

London in the early hours of

Friday was being treated as “unexplained” and a postmortem examination proved inconclusive.

Detectives are understood to be looking into whether or not the wound was self-inflicted. Devastated friends paid tribute to the popular entrepreneur. Adegbami Abraham said: “It’s so sad your life was untimely taken by death.” Mhiz Kenny Olatunji said: “This is unbelievable when I hear that my brother is no more.” Joshua Hardebayor added: “This is a really sad news. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.” A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said he was a “great guy”. He added: “I cannot believe he has died. This is so shocking.

“He was a very cool guy, always wearing nice clothes. He wasn’t a playboy, he was a great guy.

“He was always smiling and was very active, always busy running his business, which I think was to do

MATE Mario with nightclubs.”

and Mayowa. Another neighbour

Left, on pitch added: “He was always very friendly and smiley.”

Online photos and videos show Mayowa hanging out with Balotelli, 26, who is now with French side Nice. He is also seen at the Royal Albert Hall with Nigerian singer Wizkid. mirrornews@mirror.co.uk