Mario Balotelli gets engaged to girlfriend Fanny Neguesha ahead of Italy's World Cup opener against England

Italy striker proposed on his girlfriend's birthday

Balotelli confirmed the news on Instagram

The pair have split up in the past but are now set to get married

Balotelli is preparing to face England in Italy's World Cup opener on Saturday

Italy striker Mario Balotelli paused his World Cup preparations to propose to his girlfriend Fanny Neguesha ahead of Saturday's clash with England in Manaus.

The controversial AC Milan forward took to Instagram to confirm that his on-off partner had said yes late on Monday evening, posting an image of his new fiancee's hand adorned with a sparkling ring.

Balotelli accompanied the image with the message: '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'

Update shortly....