Manchester City ace Mario Balotelli has been keeping n touch with his pet pooch Lucky via his mobile phone!

Balotelli has missed his dog Lucky so much he has asked a pal to send video clips to his phone.

And seeing the black lab back at his Manchester pad is said to have helped the City ace find his best form.

"Mario adores Lucky and the name has certainly paid off for him in this tournament," said a dog-sitting pal to the Daily Star Sunday.

"He waited six months to bring Lucky to England after joining City and he is now toying with the idea of maybe getting a rescue dog to keep the pet company while away."