Harry relieved Mario not his problem

Harry Redknapp thinks Mario Balotelli’s off-field antics are a “real problem” for Manchester City and is thankful he does not have a similar problem with reformed bad boy Emmanuel Adebayor.

Balotelli has gained cult status among football fans for his japery since joining Manchester City from Inter Milan two years ago.

Roberto Mancini has admitted the 21-year-old’s behaviour this season had driven him to the edge.

“I told him, ‘if you played with me, 10 years ago, I’d punch you in the head every day’,” the City boss said.

With City’s chances of winning the Premier League fading fast, Redknapp thinks the club need strong characters, and not disruptive influences like Balotelli.

“Balotelli is not my problem, but he is a problem,” the Tottenham manager said.

“He doesn’t seem to want to behave too well does he? It’s a real problem.

“He has bags of talent but I suppose when you sign him you know what you’re getting because [former Inter boss] Jose Mourinho had him and he bombed him.”

Balotelli’s antics are in stark contrast to those of Adebayor, who has maintained a professional and mature attitude throughout his time at Spurs despite his history of disciplinary problems.

Adebayor fell out with Mancini when he was appointed City boss and caused outrage on the pitch with his controversial celebration for the Blues when he scored against his former club Arsenal in 2009.

The Togo striker showed how much he has matured by not celebrating his goal for Tottenham against Arsenal two months ago and Redknapp, whose side can — for 24 hours at least — move three points clear of third-placed Arsenal if they beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light today, has been delighted by the attitude of his 14-goal striker.

“He has done ever so well for us. He has not been a minute’s problem,” Redknapp said. “If you’ve got one or two bad apples they can just ruin everything for you.

“I think that’s where we were lucky again this year. We changed things around and the people I brought in made a big difference to the club.

“Scott Parker, Brad Friedel, Ryan Nelsen. They’re all fantastic professionals.’’

Despite singing his praises, Redknapp admits he may not be able to keep Adebayor beyond the end of the season, when his loan from City expires.

The striker’s £170,000-a-week wage packet is too rich for Spurs and Redknapp admitted he may have to let him go. “We’d like to keep him here but whether it’s possible financially I wouldn’t be sure,” he said.