Mario Balotelli reckons his new-found maturity on and off the pitch is a result of his burgeoning love with new girlfriend Fanny Neguesha.
The 22-year-old was involved in a series of controversies during his time at Manchester City, but looks to be settling down back in his native Italy after moving to AC Milan in January.
Balotelli has now scored 10 goals in eight games since leaving Eastlands, including both goals in Italy's 2-0 win against Malta in a World Cup Qualifier on Tuesday night.
And the ex-Inter Milan forward was well aware of what had causes the turnaround in his form and focus – the love of a good woman.
In an interview with the Italian edition of Vanity Fair, Balotelli said: "Am I in love? Yes, but I am not good at talking about it. I am shy.
"She is determined, confident and generous. In a short space of time she found herself in sync with me. I could spend my whole life with someone like this.
"Thanks to Fanny I have rediscovered the balance that I need in my work. She puts our relationship first and foremost, so there are no distractions or rows before games.
"It's not easy to be with me, because I almost have to give up on a private life, as I am constantly exposed to the public."
It emerges Balotelli met the Belgian model six months ago through a mutual friend who played match-maker.
He added: "We met in Brussels, as a friend of mine said: 'This is the right girl for you.'
"I tried approaching her from distance with telephone calls and messages from Manchester, but it didn't work. So I got on a private jet and flew out to see her.
"We went to smoke narghilé (hookah, ndr) and finished the day in my hotel lobby, just chatting. She arrived with a friend and so did I. It was easier with four people to break the ice."
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| Girlfriend Fanny Neguesha has had a positive impact on Mario Balotelli's chaotic nature Photo: Getty Images |
The 22-year-old was involved in a series of controversies during his time at Manchester City, but looks to be settling down back in his native Italy after moving to AC Milan in January.
Balotelli has now scored 10 goals in eight games since leaving Eastlands, including both goals in Italy's 2-0 win against Malta in a World Cup Qualifier on Tuesday night.
And the ex-Inter Milan forward was well aware of what had causes the turnaround in his form and focus – the love of a good woman.
In an interview with the Italian edition of Vanity Fair, Balotelli said: "Am I in love? Yes, but I am not good at talking about it. I am shy.
"She is determined, confident and generous. In a short space of time she found herself in sync with me. I could spend my whole life with someone like this.
"Thanks to Fanny I have rediscovered the balance that I need in my work. She puts our relationship first and foremost, so there are no distractions or rows before games.
"It's not easy to be with me, because I almost have to give up on a private life, as I am constantly exposed to the public."
It emerges Balotelli met the Belgian model six months ago through a mutual friend who played match-maker.
He added: "We met in Brussels, as a friend of mine said: 'This is the right girl for you.'
"I tried approaching her from distance with telephone calls and messages from Manchester, but it didn't work. So I got on a private jet and flew out to see her.
"We went to smoke narghilé (hookah, ndr) and finished the day in my hotel lobby, just chatting. She arrived with a friend and so did I. It was easier with four people to break the ice."
