There is growing tension between Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini and Mario Balotelli.

The Mirror says there is growing pressure on ­Mancini to admit defeat in his attempt to ­unlock Balotelli's potential.<> Balotelli headed straight to Italy after storming off the pitch as Manchester City beat Sunderland at the weekend.

And supporters at the Etihad were stunned to see him leave the ground less than 15 minutes after the final whistle before being spotted at Manchester airport just hours later.