Balotelli glad to be rid of secret

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli believes the disclosure of his fling with a prostitute has allowed him to focus on the club’s title bid.

Balotelli, 21, was reported to be briefly involved with 1200-pounds-per-night prostitute Jennifer Thompson, who has also been previously linked to Wayne Rooney. The player’s agent Mino Raiola subsequently confirmed the story.

The controversial forward said he must learn to differentiate between his public and private life more in the future.

“I know I must still learn to keep my private life separate from my profession,” Balotelli told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It’s not easy, but I have taken this step to free me from the weight of this story.”

The Italian striker has been involved in a string of highly publicised incidents in recent months which have brought negative attention.

These include turning up to Andrea Stramaccioni’s first press conference as Inter Milan boss unannounced and arguing with team-mate Aleksandar Kolarov on the pitch during the recent game against Sunderland.

Balotelli, however, believes that with his story now out in the open, he is free to move on and concentrate on matters on the pitch.

“Recently, I admit, I have been troubled – because of this story, but not only,” he said.

“My natural parents in some interviews have been disrespectful to my family.

“Now that this weight has been lifted, I am certain that I will find the positive energy to make the best run for the title with Manchester City, and prepare in the best way for the European Championship.”