United States rapper Nicki Minaj reportedly rejected the chance to meet Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli after her concert earlier this week.

The controversial Italy international went to watch the popstar at the MEN Arena with a handful of his City teammates and is believed to have tried to set up a meeting with Minaj after the show.

"Mario was gutted," The Sun quotes a source as saying. "He's a big fan and turned up with gifts along with his other Man City teammates.

"But Nicki was too tired after the gig and feasted on a massive Nando's order instead, so he went home disappointed. He'd even bought a camera especially."

Meanwhile, Balotelli and his teammates are preparing to take on Ajax in the Champions League tonight.