Sergio Aguero has given his backing to Manchester City team-mate Mario Balotelli, who he believes is a misunderstood character.

GettyImagesSergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli rejoice after grabbing all three points

• Balotelli charged over Parker incident

Balotelli, 21, is again grabbing headlines, this time after an eventful 11-minute outing for City in their 3-2 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Italy international came in for fierce criticism from Spurs boss Harry Redknapp after appearing to stamp on Scott Parker, before then winning and dispatching a late penalty to secure a dramatic win for his side.

Referee Howard Webb did not see the incident involving Balotelli and Parker but has since reviewed the footage and the striker has now been charged with violent conduct by the FA and faces a four-match ban.

Argentina star Aguero, though, has told The Sun: "Firstly we all know what a fantastic player he is. And off the pitch, everyone has their own path. But those of us who are really close to Mario know that off the field he's a really good lad.

"Like a lot of players he has his own idiosyncrasies here and there. Everyone knows him as a player from what you see on the field. But I know that off the field he's a lovely lad. He's a young lad, he takes care of himself and approaches his life as he wants."