Manchester City's Mario Balotelli Involved in Car Crash

Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli cannot stay out of the headlines lately. On Thursday afternoon, he again made news off the pitch.

The Italian striker was involved in a car crash in the city center of Manchester.

Balotelli was unhurt in the collision, but a female passenger in his white Bentley was taken to the hospital. Greater Manchester Police issued the following statement:

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Shortly after 3.15pm on Thursday 5 April 2012, police were called to Medlock Street, Manchester city centre 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.

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The Manchester Evening News is quoting an eyewitness to the incident:

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It happened quite fast. The Corsa was doing a U-turn at the time. The Corsa span 360 degrees—it was a hefty bang. The Bentley stopped for a couple of seconds and then drove around the corner and pulled up.

Mario wound the window down and said 'get that man to me'. I don't think he wanted to get out. A girl was with him and she looked shook up.

The driver of the other car was dazed. His car was a mess.

Mario was on the phone and a short time later a Range Rover turned up with a couple of Italian-looking blokes inside who looked like they knew him.

Paramedics arrived and looked at the man in the car and the girl in Mario's and then the police came down and took statements.

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Manchester City told Sports Illustrated that Balotelli was not at fault for the crash. But the car crash is yet another headline for the mercurial Italian in a troublesome press week.

Just days before, his agent disclosed that Balotelli had taken part in a relationship with escort Jennifer Thompson. Thompson is most famous for her alleged involvement with Manchester United's Wayne Rooney.

And over the weekend, City manager Roberto Mancini expressed dissatisfaction with Balotelli's performance during the 3-3 draw with Sunderland. That despite Balotelli's brace.

After the latest headline, Balotelli could perhaps be forgiven for asking, "Why always me?"