Manchester City ace Mario Balotelli hid himself in the gents to avoid fans.

The Mirror reports Balotelli lived up to his reputation for being potty when he locked himself in a toilet cubicle to escape from his fans.

Manchester City's Italian striker was reportedly waiting for his luggage at the city's airport after jetting in to begin pre-season training when members of the public spotted him and began to ask for photos and autographs.

As the crowd grew, Balotelli took flight and hid out in the gents' until airport staff could rescue him and take him out via a staff exit to a waiting car.

It isn't the first time Balotelli's habits in the smallest room have made the headlines - last season, the fire brigade were called to his house after a firework set fire to the bathroom of his house.