Mario Balotelli: "It was now my turn"
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has been named the best young player in Europe by Italian-based Tuttosport Daily.
The 20-year-old Manchester City striker beat Arsenal halfback Jack Wilshire into second place - and then claimed he did not even know who the Arsenal midfielder was.
"I don't know Wilshire, but the next time I play against Arsenal I will keep a close eye on him. Perhaps I can show him the prize and remind him that I won it," said Balotelli.
Highly rated Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea - wanted by Manchester United - is the third on the list.
The Italy international then had a dig at previous winners of the award, including Mark Rooney, Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas, Lionel Messi, insisting only one past recipient could claim to be better than him.
"There's only one that is a little stronger than me: Messi. All the others are behind me. I am delighted to receive the award, but who should have won it but me? Two years ago I finished sixth and then fourth in 2009. It was finally my turn to receive the award," said Balotelli.
