Mario Balotelli, the Italian footballer, has become father for the first time as ex-girlfriend Raffaella Fico, with whom the footballer has had troubled relationship in the past, gave birth to a baby girl, in Naples, Italy, three weeks early as the baby was due on Christmas.

The Italian footballer was not present during Raffaella’s delivery, but her brother Francesco and her mum Pia were there to support her. The baby weighed in at a healthy 8lbs, 4oz (3.8kg) and was registered in her mother’s name. Although, Mario Balotelli did not comment on the news, sources close to him said the new dad was ‘delighted’ with the arrival of little Pia.

Ex underwear model Raffaella Fico and Mario Balotelli had separated dramatically in April, after she flew to Manchester from Italy to catch him red-handed for cheating on her. Raffaella Fico called Mario Balotelli two months later to inform him that she was pregnant with his child. Initially, Mario Balotelli refused to accept Raffaella Fico’s claim and demanded a DNA test to prove it.

The couple had a severe mud-slinging session thereafter through the Italian media over summer as a shocked Raffaella Fico expressed anger and surprise that Mario Balotelli should question whether he was the father.

Two months ago, Mario Barotelli revealed that he was going to try to reunite with his ex Raffaella Fico and he flew to her home near Naples where the two were snapped kissing passionately on the balcony of her home. But, since then, Mario Barotelli and Raefaella Fico have not been in contact with other. It was only this week that she issued an ultimatum to the Italian player saying, “If you love our child and me then marry me.”