Marseille striker Mario Balotelli says he could turn down Italy selection in the future.

The former AC Milan forward was left out of the squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Finland and Liechtenstein, having only recently found form at club level after the January exit from Nice.

Balotelli said: “Have you ever thought that, and it might never happen, but one day you could need me and I'd be ready the same way I have been for the last three years, but hearing some of you insulting, denigrating and underestimating me over the years, I might be tired emotionally and therefore refuse to go?

“I am not a robot, nor an epidemic or even an idiot… many times I don't reply to avoid problems and unnecessary tension, but I hear and see it all, it accumulates and I get fed up too.

“I just ask that you respect me as much as I respect Italy and then we'll be fine… I don't expect to be mollycoddled or considered a phenomenon, but I guarantee that you could only get the best out of me with respect, because I am doing nothing to warrant this disrespect…

“So I ask you nicely before moving to demanding it."