The neighbours of Mario Balotelli have rallied round the underfire Inter Milan striker.

Balotelli is happy catching public transport in the neighbourhood.

A neighbour is quoted as saying: "Even if Mario is a little bit of a loudmouth, he is always kind and open with us.

"Often Mario stops to speak about football with us. When he knew that my brother Andrea played for a local team he promised to go and see one of his games. No one believed it.

"Instead, the following Saturday he arrived at the game to follow the Esordienti."