Roberto Mancini says Manchester City fans love Mario Balotelli because he's "strange".

The City boss believes Balotelli's eccentricities could make him a cult idol at the Etihad Stadium.

"Mario has everything," he added. "He is a strong player, a good guy and he is strange, which for the supporters is important. They like players like Mario."

Balotelli showed his charitable side in April when he gave £1,000 of his nightclub winnings to a tramp and Mancini thinks he is finally maturing.

"He is growing up," the City boss said.