SOCCER:MANCHESTER CITY striker Mario Balotelli believes he was a worthy recipient of the Golden Boy award, claiming only Lionel Messi is a better player than him, before adding he doesn't even know who fellow contender Jack Wilshere is.

Balotelli (20) finished ahead of Arsenal midfielder Wilshere for the award organised by Italian newspaper Tuttosport and reckons he was a deserving winner. Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea was third.

“I am delighted to receive this award,” said Balotelli to Tuttosport.

“Who should have won this award but me? Two years ago I finished sixth and a year ago fourth. It was finally my turn.”

The confident City player said of the previous winners, only Barcelona forward Messi could be considered a better player than him.

“There’s only one that is a little stronger than me: Messi. All the others are behind me,” he added in reference to the award given to the game’s best player under the age of 21.

Despite claiming to know nothing about Wilshere, Balotelli promised to pay closer attention when City next take on the Gunners.

“I don’t know who Wilshere is but the next time I play against Arsenal I will keep a close eye on him. Perhaps I can show him (Wilshere) the Golden Boy trophy and remind him that I won it!”

Balotelli, who joined City in the summer from Inter Milan, hopes this award will be the first of many as he targets domestic and European success in 2011.

“My aim is that this prize will, in the near future, transform itself into the Golden Ball Award,” he added. “To have won this award is a good omen to achieve that.” Balotelli has big ambitions for next year.

“All I ask for is two things: to win the Premier League, in order to continue with the tradition I had at Inter of winning three consecutive league titles, and to clinch the Europa League – a trophy that I have not yet won, and a competition where we are considered favourites.”