Roberto Mancini has admitted that he is fine with Mario Balotelli smoking cigarettes as long as it does not affect his performance on the pitch.

Balotelli reportedly smokes up to 10 cigarettes a day, in spite of Mancini's previous efforts to stop the young Italian.

"It's not my problem," said Mancini. "If Mario wants to smoke, it's his problem. But if he wants my opinion, it is better that he quits.

"But if he smokes 10 cigarettes a day and scores two goals every game, then that's better."

Speaking of Balotelli's omission from the midweek Real Madrid squad, Mancini added: "Mario was upset, but that's normal. I don't think there can be a player who doesn't play and is happy."

Balotelli has struggled to make an impact so far this season because of the form of fellow strikers Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko.