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Manchester City footballer Mario Balotelli has been involved in a car crash.

The 21-year-old Italian, who drives a Bentley, was in collision with another vehicle in Medlock Street, near Deansgate, in Manchester city centre.

The striker is believed to have been unhurt in the incident. A passenger from one of the cars was taken to hospital as a precaution.

The footballer also escaped unhurt from a car crash in August 2010 in Hulme.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "Shortly after 3.15pm, 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.

The statement added: "Inquiries are ongoing."

Balotelli joined Manchester City in 2010 for a reported £24m after moving from Inter Milan.

Last month Balotelli was asked to leave the Trafford Centre after refusing to take down the hood of his top.

In October last year firefighters were called to the player's Cheshire home after an explosive set alight his bathroom.

That month, when he scored the opening goal during a Manchester derby game at Old Trafford, Balotelli made reference to various controversial incidents he has been involved in since joining City.

The striker lifted his top to reveal a T-shirt bearing the slogan "Why always me?".