Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini denies he has a special relationship with Mario Balotelli.

Indeed, Mancini insists Balotelli ignores him!

"He is not listening to me," said Mancini. "I speak but I don't think he listens."

Mancini is happy for that to continue if it helps Balotelli realise his enormous potential.

"It is not important that he doesn't listen to me," he said. "What is important is that he does well, that he scores.

"But I know he can do better because I know his quality. He can change every game if he wants. He could score in every game.

"I hope, for him and us, he can understand this very quickly."