Mario Balotelli says he's better than other 'Golden Boy' award winners

Mario Balotelli has been named the best young player in Europe.

The troublesome Manchester City striker won the prestigious Golden Boy award voted organized by Italian newspaper Tuttosport and voted for by journalists across Europe to recognise the most talented player Under 21.

Balotelli insists he is better than previous winners such as Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas and Rafael van der Vaart.

“There's only one that is a little stronger than me: Messi,' he said of former Golden Boys.

He added: “All the others behind me. I am delighted to receive the award, but who else would have won if not me? Two years ago I finished sixth and then fourth in 2009. Now it's my turn, no?

“My goal is, in the near future, to turn this award into the Ballon d'Or, without any age limits. Winning the Golden Boy is certainly a good omen,” he said.

According to the Daily Mail, the 18-year-old has been a regular starter this season and earned an Italy debut as a substitute against Hungary in August, but he missed Arsenal's 3-0 win at City in October because of suspension.

Despite reiterating his desire to one day play for the team he loves - AC Milan - the £24 million summer signing believes he can first win the Barclays Premier League title with City.

Confident as ever, Balotelli seems to have little qualms about how his flirting with Milan will play among the City fans just months after signing at five-year contract at Eastlands.