Blackpool's Sea Life Centre have named one of their sharks after Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

The sea creature has been given the name of the controversial Italy international because he displays the "same behaviour" as the 22-year-old forward.

General manager Jenn Newton told the Manchester Evening News: "We have named him Balotelli because he just seems to exhibit the same behaviour as the footballer.

"At feeding time we put the fish on a big pole and he will try and pull staff into the pool or snap the pole and he also nudges the rolled up balls of food out of the way. He is not man-eating, he's just got a nasty bite."

Meanwhile, reports have claimed that Balotelli has requested two weeks' paternity leave over the hectic festive schedule to be with his newborn child.