Mario Balotelli stopped for burglary – at his own house

The always entertaining exploits of Mario Balotelli took a new turn this week - after the Italian striker was mistaken for a burglar when returning to his fire-damaged home.

The Manchester City star, whose Chesire home was ruined after his friends set off fireworks in the bathroom, returned to collect items from the £3m mansion but was stopped by police.

According to The Sun, worried neighbours thought that the house was being burgled and frantically rang 999. A source told the tabloid: "The report was of two men running down a road carrying stuff and loading up a 4x4."

Since the 2011/2012 season has begun, the eccentric 21-year-old has burnt down much of his house, become a fireworks safety ambassador, allegedly built a race track in his back garden, seen a 40ft effigy of his likeness burnt, worn the wrong jersey in an international game and won a prize for his comical 'chicken hat' from last season.

Not bad for just over three months work..