AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has told former club Manchester City to back manager Roberto Mancini.

The heat is on boss Mancini after City's woeful Champions League KO and the crumbling defence of their Premier League title.

Yet Balotelli said: "If you asked who they want next season, every single player would say Roberto. He's not just their coach but also their friend."

Balotelli, 22, left City for Italian giants AC Milan for £19million last month.

But he believes Mancini is owed more time by billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour.

He said: "Look at the success Roberto has had - the FA Cup and a first championship in over 40 years. Even Alex Ferguson does not win a trophy every year - but he always comes back."