Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli says he'd like to be a role-model for young people.

Balotelli has emerged as one of the most controversial players in Italian football.

"I would like to be an example for young people," he told Sky Italia television. "I'd like them to see me first of all as a teenager like them and then as a football player.

"I would also like to set an example as a good and fair man, even though that doesn't mean always respecting the rules. One can't be perfect all the time."