Florence: Mario Balotelli insists he's not crazy, although he does acknowledge that he "can do strange things" from time to time.
The temperamental 21-year-old instead said he considered himself to be entertaining and ready to take on responsibility.
For example, Balotelli recently had to evacuate his house in England after fireworks were let off in his bathroom. And he has been questioned by Naples prosecutors over a visit with the Camorra crime syndicate, allegedly saying he saw bags of cocaine piled on a table.
Speaking at Italy's training camp on Wednesday, the eccentric Manchester City striker was also asked about constantly ending up pictured on the gossip pages with an array of women.
The media "tends to talk more about my private life than what I do on the pitch. It's normal but it bothers me," Balotelli said. "I'm not crazy, not at all - even though I can do strange things."
"If I didn't do what I do, I would be boring, but I'm not mad, not all."
The volatile striker picked up multiple red and yellow cards last season and honed a "bad boy" reputation off the field, letting off fireworks from the balcony of his city-centre flat, suffering a grass allergy in the middle of a match and drawing publicity for wearing a bizarre hat-shaped like a glove.
With Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi both out long-term because of injury, Italy are counting on Balotelli to lead their attack in friendlies at Poland on Friday and at home against Uruguay four days later.
The 21-year-old Balotelli has scored five goals for Premier League leaders City this season but is still yet to find the target in five appearances with Italy.
"I always have pressure on me. I'm ready to take responsibility, even if people think I'm not."
Balotelli said it was time to do himself justice at international level.
"It's time for me to awaken with the national team, I have not yet scored a goal and the national team is the best thing for a player," he said, adding that Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini and Italy's Cesare Prandelli had helped him improve.
"Mancini and Prandelli have given me peace of mind and helped me from a tactical point of view," he said. "I feel like a centre forward and I can also play out wide. English football has taught me pressing and chasing back after the opponents when I lose the ball."
The son of Ghanian immigrants, Balotelli often faced racial taunts when he played for Inter Milan despite being born and raised in Italy.
"Racism is ignorance. I can only hope that certain things don't happen again," Balotelli said, adding that he doesn't miss Serie A at all. "Serie A has fallen, the standard is very low. English football is beautiful, wonderful and enjoyable. The Premiership is a great league and I'm playing for the best squad. I don't see my future in Italy."
Italy, already qualified for Euro 2012, visit tournament co-hosts Poland on Friday for a friendly and host Copa America champions Uruguay the following Tuesday.
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