Football: Balotelli set to marry model girlfriend Neguesha

Italy's Mario Balotelli during a training session ahead of the 2014 World Cup at the Portobello training center in Mangaratiba on June 7, 2014. The temperamental striker ensured headlines of the positive sort on Tuesday, June 9, 2014, announcing on h
Italy's Mario Balotelli during a training session ahead of the 2014 World Cup at the Portobello training center in Mangaratiba on June 7, 2014. The temperamental striker ensured headlines of the positive sort on Tuesday, June 9, 2014, announcing on his Twitter account he is to marry his girlfriend - the Belgian model Fanny Neguesha. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

ROME (AFP) - Temperamental Italian striker Mario Balotelli ensured headlines of the positive sort on Tuesday, announcing on his Twitter account he is to marry his girlfriend - the Belgian model Fanny Neguesha.

The 23-year-old AC Milan star - who is in Brazil with his country's World Cup squad - also posted a photograph on his Instagram account showing the beach in Rio de Janeiro where he proposed to his sweetheart.

"She said yes... The most important yes in my life. That was the place of my question! I Love you and happy birthday too ! Je t'aime my WIFE," tweeted Balotelli both in Italian and English.

Neguesha, born in Belgium of an Italian father and a mother of Congolese-Rwandan-Egyptian extraction, posted on Instagram a photograph of the diamond engagement ring in the shape of a star that Balotelli gave her.

"Tonight, I said the most important yes of my Life. That was the best present for my birthday! I love you first and unique husband."

Neither the date nor the place where they will get married was revealed.

Balotelli's next significant date is the opening group game with England in Manaus on Saturday.

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