Mario Balotelli becomes fond of stray cat on Man City training ground

London - Mario Balotelli has taken a liking to a stray cat called Wimblydon, who is a frequent visitor to the Manchester City training ground.

The animal loving Italian striker who enjoys visiting zoos and wildlife parks, now makes daily checks on the ginger moggie, which has been allowed to roam the complex for more than a decade.

“Mario loves Wimblydon and would love to take him home,” the Sun quoted a source as saying.

“Every day he comes in and makes sure the cat has come in to training and been fed.

“He was quite bemused at first that a cat was allowed to roam the grounds but it appeals to his sense of humour.

Balotelli is also claimed to be very protective about the cat.

“Mario is always keeping an eye out in the car park to make sure none of the lads actually run over the cat.

“He’s very protective of him,” the source added.

The cat received its name from former Colombian fitness coach Juan Carlos Osorio, who had trouble pronouncing “Wimbledon” a few years back.

The man City star bought two chow chow puppies before Christmas and has a black labrador Lucky back in Italy.