Italian striker Mario Balotelli demands 'kiss from the UK Queen'

Recife (Brazil), June 20: England's chances of qualifying for knockouts of FIFA World Cup 2014 depend on Italy's win against Costa Rica here tonight. And if that happens, Italian striker Mario Balotelli wants a kiss on the cheek from Her Majesty the Queen of United Kingdom.

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England lost to Uruguay 1-2 last night and are on the verge of elimination from the World Cup. However, a win for Italy against their opponents today will help England as they play Costa Rica on June 24 in their final group game.

The 23-year-old Balotelli is a former Manchester City striker, who now plays for AC Milan. In Italy's opening game against England at this World Cup, he had scored the match-winner and dedicated that goal to his wife and friends.

The temperamental striker was once described by coach Jose Mourinho as "unmanageable". Last year, he was involved in a bust-up with the then Man City manager Robert Mancini during a training session. He had a poor disciplinary record at the English club and was sold in January, 2013 to AC Milan.

Ahead of tonight's World Cup game, Balotelli made this cheeky "kiss" proposal if he manages to win and keep England in Brazil.

"If we beat Costa Rica I want a kiss, obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen," Balotelli tweeted after England's match against Uruguay.