‘Mature’ Balotelli wants to STRIP title from United

14 goals and a pair of penalties – and the intensity and effort I put into training this year are not comparable to last season,” said Balotelli.

“I have grown up, I have understood certain things.”

Balotelli was pictured leaving the lap dance bar less than 48 hours before he scored in City’s 2-0 win over Bolton.

Angry City boss Mancini revealed after the game that he would be fining his unpredictable striker the maximum amount of £250,000, the equivalent of two weeks’ wages.

Mancini admitted that he would like to see Balotelli settle down and maybe even get married to try to curb some of his antics.

But the player insists that wedding bells are not on the cards just yet – despite going out with stunning model Raffaella Fico.

“Do I think to marry? For me it is not soon,” said Balotelli.

“When you find the right person, it may be the time.

Angry

“Raffaella is the best thing that ever happened to me. She understands me when I make a mess.”

And Balotelli revealed: “How did she take my evening at the strip club? Well, I’d have got angry if she went to a male strippers’ club with her friends.”

But he insisted: “I have not done anything wrong at the strip club, even though I was wrong to go there two days before a game.

“The fine? I don’t know yet. I have to talk with Mancini.”

City’s lead at the top is two points after Manchester United’s clinical 3-1 win at Tottenham on Sunday.

But Balotelli said he does not fear the Reds in the battle for the title.

He added: “We are a great group, we have quality. If we remain together until the end, United will finish behind us and they are not to be feared.”