The eccentric striker, who played for Manchester City until earlier this year, became known in the UK as much for his goals as for his antics off the pitch, which included setting his house alight with fireworks and popping into a local school and asking if he could use the toilet.

At home in Italy, however, he’s had to endure a lot of criticism and racist taunts.

But he always strikes back. In response to a comment today from Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt saying he didn’t like Balotelli much, the footballer took to Twitter and told him not to judge people he doesn’t know.  

Bolt, who picked up three gold medals at last year’s London Olympics, was speaking during an interview with TG1 ahead of the Diamond League event in Rome tonight.

He said: "Balotelli is a great football player, although perhaps a little too aggressive for my tastes. He never misses a penalty. I've met him a couple of times and to be honest I don't like him very much."

Balotelli's retort has since been deleted. He now plays for AC Milan after two seasons in Manchester.