Mario Balotelli believes that the faith shown in him by Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has helped find his best form this season.

The young Italian had a troubled first year in England, but during his second season he has made himself a regular in the City starting lineup.

The 21-year-old believes that a large slice of the credit for his change in fortunes should go to his mentor Mancini.

"I'm getting better all the time. The real Mario is coming now and it isn't the same Mario as last year," Balotelli told The Daily Mail.

"With Mancini I feel very comfortable. I've known him a long time and he's a good manager," added Balotelli.

"He believes in me - even when no-one in England believed in me, he did. And he kept on believing in me. I want to do something important here with him."

Balotelli joined City from Italian club Inter Milan.