Italy striker Mario Balotelli delivered a typically bizarre performance as he addressed the media on the eve of the Euro 2012 quarter-final with England, claiming he was "more of a man than Peter Pan."
The controversial Manchester City forward is in contention to start against England after coming off the bench to score against the Republic of Ireland on Monday.
It was no shock when Balotelli stressed his determination to get the better of Manchester City team-mates Joe Hart, James Milner and Joleon Lescott in the meeting at Kiev's Olympic Stadium.
But some of the answers when questioned by the Italian media caused bouts of laughter.
Balotelli was asked about claims by his agent that he is the Peter Pan of Italian football, after team-mate Daniele de Rossi said he thought Balotelli was growing up.
He said: "I think I'm a man but I don't think I need to say it. Mino said I'm Peter Pan because he wants to make people laugh.
"But I could be Peter Pan because I do things my own way and I'm a bit free. I could be Peter Pan but I think I'm more of a man than Peter Pan."
Balotelli was asked if he was going to show England if there was "a stupid Balotelli or a super Balotelli" after showing his prowess with the goal against the Irish.
He replied: "I don't think Mario the person needs to demonstrate this to anyone because those who know me know exactly what I am like."
Balotelli also insists he has no issue with his team-mates despite becoming frustrated at failing to score before his hooked volley against Ireland.
He said: "The national side has always meant a lot to me since when I was a kid. That is normal.In the first few games I was very emotional because it was my first European Championships so that is normal.
"I was bit worked up because I hadn't scored a goal.I wasn't angry, I didn't have problems with the squad.I'm fine. The only thing was that I didn't score a goal."
He added: "I hope it will be a good match and it will be fun playing against my Manchester City team-mates.
"They know me and I know them. I just hope it is going to be fun."
Midfielder Thiago Motta is available to face England after recovering from a muscle injury and being able to train.
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