Manchester City striker Balotelli unhurt after car crash

Posted Friday, April 06, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has escaped unharmed from a car crash on Thursday afternoon.

According to reports Balotelli was "shook up" after the incident at Deansgate Locks in Manchester city center but joked about it with bystanders.

City later confirmed that the 21-year-old striker was involved in a collision with another vehicle but stated that the crash was not the fault of its player and that all other parties sustained no injuries.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police read: "Shortly after 3.15pm on Thursday 5 April 2012, police were called to Medlock Street, Manchester City Center to reports of a collision between two cars.

"The passenger of one of the cars was taken to hospital for precautionary measures. Inquiries are ongoing."

The crash came on a day in which Balotelli had made front page headlines for his off-field antics once again, this time involving his love-life.

Earlier on Wednesday, City manager Roberto Mancini defended the unpredictable striker saying he is the subject of misrepresentation from the media.

This is the second accident Balotelli has been involved in since moving to England after crashing and writing off his 120,000 pound Audi R8 in 2010. Onlookers at the time said the Italian was "lucky to be alive".