The already fragile Manchester City career of Mario Balotelli may have reached breaking point after the Italian striker fought with manager Roberto Mancini today.
The pair were pictured at City's Carrington training ground pushing and pulling at each others clothes before being separated by colleagues. The Italian duo also appeared to enter into a furious stand-off with one another.
The shocking scenes came as the Premier League champions prepared for their FA Cup tie with Watford this weekend.
Reports suggest the incident started when Mancini reacted to a wild tackle from Balotelli on team-mate Scott Sinclair.
The incident comes with Balotelli's future at Manchester City already under speculation.
The former Inter Milan player has been used sparingly this season, finding the net just once in the Premier League.
The Italy international was also involved in a stand-off with the club after they fined him two-weeks wages for poor discipline. The 22-year-old eventually backed down, stating "respect" for Mancini as part of his decision.
A major reason why Balotelli is currently still at Manchester City is support from the club's owner, Sheikh Mansour.
In a recent interview with the Italian sports paper Gazzetta dello Sport, Mancini revealed that the sheikh is a fan of the 22-year-old who starred at Euro 2012, believing him to be a good export for the City brand. However, negative stories such as today's incident are perhaps not the kind of image Mansour will want to project.
"Sheikh Mansour likes Balotelli because he recognises his talent and he exports the name of Manchester City all over the world," Mancini said. "We need to consider that Mario was a major investment and we are not a club that throws its money out of the window.
Mancini also explained his own close relationship with the troubled striker but warned that he expected better, leading to concerns that today's incident could spell the end of Balotelli's City career.
"I love him because we have been together for many years and I have seen him grow up, but our professional relationship is another thing and I have told Mario what I need from him.
"The time for cheap talk is over. Balotelli is 22 and I am asking for more commitment in training, a more stable private life and correct behaviour on the pitch."

From: @BBCSporf Sent: Jan 2, 2013 8:40p BREAKING: Demba Ba has completed his £7million move from Newcastle United to Chelsea, after his wife agrees personal terms with John Terry...

I wonder what terms that could be?

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, has revealed that he came very close to signing Robin van Persie from Arsenal and admits the striker, who is now scoring for fun at rivals Manchester United, could decide where the title ends up this year.

"We were very close. He took his decision but three or four months before we were there," Mancini said, making a gesture with his hand to show how close the deal was.

Van Persie has already scored 14 goals in the league and Mancini lamented City's inability to seal the deal, as it would have given them something different in attack.

"It is clear he has changed the situation. In this moment, he is the difference. Last year we were the team that scored the most goals in the Premier League and I am very happy [with my forwards].

"But we wanted Van Persie because he is totally different from our other strikers. When you can improve your team with top players it is important [to do it]. With Van Persie we could also play with three strikers sometimes. But now we can do nothing."

The Italian however added that he expects more from his summer <( arrivals, who have not really had a great impact.

"These players can do better. Garcia started very well, he played the first game against Stoke and then he got an injury and was out for 40 days. Now he has started to play and he can be important.

"Scott is my fault because I didn't get him a big chance to play. He's fantastic because he always works hard and when he has the chance he plays 100%.