Mario Balotelli says falling in love with new girlfriend Fanny Neguesha has helped him settle down following his move to AC Milan.

Balotelli was involved in a series of controversies during his time at Manchester City but has flourished since leaving the Premier League for £19million in January.

The 22-year-old striker has seven goals in six games for AC Milan and scored both goals in Italy’s 2-0 win in Malta last night. The result keeps the Italians top of Group B, three points ahead of Bulgaria.

"Am I in love? Yes," said Balotelli of Neguesha, whom he met last year.

"She is determined, confident and generous. In a short space of time she found herself in sync with me. I could spend my whole life with someone like this. Thanks to Fanny I have rediscovered the balance that I need in my work.