Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has reportedly described himself as the Jimi Hendrix of football.

The controversial Italy international is believed to have made comparisons with the late American guitarist after meeting Manchester indie group The Rainband with manager Roberto Mancini.

"I'm just like Jimi Hendrix but on a football pitch," The Sun quotes the 22-year-old as saying.

Meanwhile, Balotelli and his Premier League teammates are preparing to take on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League tomorrow night.