Former Manchester City striker Niall Quinn says the club was mad to sign Mario Balotelli.

Quinn ­insists signing the fiery Italian was a bad move and that he would never have bought ­Balotelli during his time as Sunderland chairman.

Quinn told the Daily Star Sunday: "We had a few signings there that were ­questionable but, in the end, any fears were proved wrong.

"If you ask me if I would have bought Balotelli, then the ­answer would be no.

"At Euro 2012, Mario played well and some thought he was ­going to have a good ­season - but that hasn't ­happened yet.

"During my time with ­Sunderland we were warned off players like El-Hadji ­Diouf and ­Pascal Chimbonda but we put in an effort to ensure they gave their all and our fears were unfounded in the end because we worked together.

"Mario looked like a good punt at the time I suppose - but he has been exasperating. A lot of people would like him better if he would put a shift in, give his last drop of sweat instead of standing there with his hands on his hips.

"He does not link up well and when he has started the team haven't done well. Team selection will be vital against Arsenal. Dzeko should be playing from the start.

"City were summed up when they played QPR in their final game of last season. They were all over the place, took fans on highs and lows and won it in dramatic style. Being a City fan can't be easy."