PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has urged Manchester City to persist with Mario Balotelli.

Ibra believes that City manager Roberto Mancini should continue to take the rough with the smooth and persist with the precociously talented striker.

"If you ever spend any time with Mario then you love Mario," said the 31-year-old Swede to the Daily Mail.

"Even though he is not always the easiest player for the coach to manage, speak to any of his old coaches like Jose (former Inter and current Real Madrid boss Mourinho) and they will tell you when you work with Mario you always have a smile on your face."