Super Mario

Mario Balotelli admitted he was delighted to have helped his Manchester City team to FA Cup glory after being named Man of the Match in their 1-0 victory over Stoke City.

The Italian played a major role in Yaya Toure’s winning goal and was a menace throughout – much to his enjoyment.

“All my season, maybe it wasn’t good,” said the Italian. “Today maybe I played more for the team, so it was good.

“Every player has his quality and I have my quality. If I show my qualities for the team I can be important.

“It feels good to win. I said before the game that we are better than them but we have to respect them as they are a team. You have to go on the pitch with respect but you have to give everything.”

Meanwhile, Micah Richards and Adam Johnson paid tribute to City’s fans after winning "the biggest cup competition in the world" and both Englishmen were ecstatic after the final whistle.

“It is the biggest cup competition in the world and we have won it,” said Johnson. “Look what it means to the fans after 35 years of waiting for it.”

Richards added: “It is unbelievable.we have worked hard all season and we have won The FA Cup – I can’t believe it.

“This is the start. This is the first [trophy] and the most important. It is exciting times for us. We will spend in the summer and be better next year.”