Mario Balotelli considers surgery

According to Sky Sport Italia, Mario Balotelli could undergo surgery on a sports hernia, as the former Liverpool striker struggles to recover from a condition that has kept him off the pitch since September 27th.

Milan have published an official statement regarding Balotelli’s physical condition:

“Today Mario Balotelli underwent a medical consultation with doctor Per Holmich in Copenhagen. A new treatment [to get rid of his sports hernia] will be decided by both Milan and Liverpool doctors,” the Italian club revealed through their official website.

Balotelli’s agent Mino Raiola has recently declared that the player was undergoing a ‘traditional treatment’ in order to get rid of the injury.

“He doesn’t want to suffer any future relapse, even if it that means remaining out of action for one or two weeks more than usual”, Raiola told the media.

The Rossoneri have declined to reveal the what Balotelli's recovery time is, but a long layoff would obviously postpone it past Christmas, very likely longer. 

Mario Balotelli asks for patience

As previously reported, Mario Balotelli could undergo surgery on his sports hernia as the former Liverpool man is out of action since the last 27^th of September.

The player’s agent Mino Raiola had also revealed that Balotelli opted for a traditional treatment in order to get rid of the injury, but the 25-year-old’s physical conditions have show no improvement in the last few weeks.

Doctor Francesco Benazzo operated Balotelli’s knee back in 2010 and today he released an interview to the Italian TV channel Sport Mediaset. 

“Mario will definitely get rid of the sports hernia if he undergoes surgery. Trouble is, it might be difficult to find out the causes of the injury. I guess that Milan and Liverpool’s doctors are taking into account all options and they will decide as soon as possible what is better for the player.”

The former Inter and Manchester City star is reported to be willing to undergo the operation. In the meanwhile he appeared to be in good mood on social networks, despite the layoff.

‘Can't wait to be back in the pitch to score with these! Patience!’ Balotelli wrote on his official Instagram account posting a picture of his new Puma’s boots.

Gerrard Explains What's Wrong With Balotelli

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has explained what's wrong with the enigmatic Mario Balotelli.

In his new book My Story, which is serialised in the Daily Mail, Gerrard recalled a conversation with Brendan Rodgers when the Liverpool boss admitted he was prepared to take a gamble on Balotelli.

"I'd never met Balotelli, but I'd heard all the stories about the indoor fireworks and Jose Mourinho describing him as an 'unmanageable' player," the retired England international wrote.

"I could see that, in the right mood, he was a quality footballer, but the rest of his career seemed like a spectacular waste of talent. That was my opinion of Balotelli."

The 35-year-old then explained how he experienced Balotelli's flaws first-hand and why he believes the 25-year-old is wasting his talent.

"We got on fine. I still tried to help him and I kept looking for chances to praise him, but I could see why Mourinho had been right when he said Balotelli is unmanageable," he added.

"He is very talented, with the potential to be world class, but he'll never get there because of his mentality and the people around him. Balotelli's always late, he always wants attention.

"He says the wrong things on social media. For me, he doesn't work hard enough on a daily basis. You're always fighting a losing battle with Balotelli. He does too many things wrong."

Balotelli has joined former club AC Milan on loan and made his competitive debut in the Milan derby on Sunday.

Do you think Balotelli is wasting his talent? Have your say in the comments section below.

Mario Balotelli has changed radically, insists AC Milan chief Adriano Galliani

Mario Balotelli has 'changed radically' after leaving Liverpool, according to AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani.

The Italy striker gained a bad-boy reputation in England following his stints with Liverpool and Manchester City, and often made headlines for his off-the-field antics.

Yet Galliani has spoken about how Balotelli looks a different player to the one who left Milan for Merseyside in August 2014.

Mario Balotelli has 'changed radically' after leaving Liverpool, insists AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani

Former Liverpool striker Balotelli gained a questionable reputation in England for his off-the-field antics

'He has an extraordinary attitude, he's changed radically,' Galliani said. 'He's the first to arrive [at the training centre] and the last to leave.

'Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic often wants the players to have breakfast at 8:30am, and he's always there before 8am.

'He's probably realised that this is his last chance and I'm sure he won't waste it. His technical ability has never been in question.

'If he continues with the approach he's had in this first week then he'll be fine.'

Balotelli of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match against Empoli on Saturday evening

Mario Balotelli is a reformed character says Milan CEO Adriano Galliani

Mario Balotelli is a reformed character since returning to Italy this summer, according to the chief executive of Milan, Adriano Galliani.

The Italian striker has enjoyed a colourful if immature past and he had a good behaviour clause inserted into his contract when he returned to Milan on loan from Liverpool banning extravagant haircuts and clothing.

He failed to make an impression after his £16m transfer to Merseyside where his work-rate and commitment were called into question but Galliani insisted his behaviour so far has been beyond reproach.

“He has an extraordinary attitude, he’s changed radically,” Galliani said. “He’s the first to arrive at [the training centre] and the last to leave.

“Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic often wants the players to have breakfast at 8.30am and he’s always there before eight.

“He’s probably realised that this is his last chance and I’m sure he won’t waste it. His technical ability has never been in question. If he continues with the approach he’s had in this first week then he’ll be fine.”

Balotelli’s first spell at Milan was relatively successful, with a respectable scoring rate, although there were some misdemeanours. He lost his temper in front of the cameras after one performance was criticised by Italian television pundits, telling his interviewers that they did not understand football and throwing his microphone down.

He was also booked for making a vulgar gesture at Cagliari supporters, served two three-match bans and was caught smoking in the toilet of a train by a ticket collector.

However, these incidents paled in comparison to some of his antics at Manchester City earlier in his career, such as when he and some friends famously let off fireworks in his bathroom, leading to his house being set on fire.

Ranking the Week's 20 Hottest Transfer Rumours: Mario Balotelli, Pedro and More

Another week closer to the end of the transfer window, teams are scurrying trying to add the final pieces to their puzzles to achieve seasonal objectives in 2014-15.

Collating this week's rumours featuring the biggest players and clubs in Europe, we assess which are the biggest and most enticing potential transfers yet to happen in the closing days. Most major league campaigns are up and running now for 2015-16, so late additions can make all the difference.

Again we iterate that the ranking of these rumours is subjective and open to change based on the changing reports of any impending transfers; we order them based on each player's reputation in the game, the rumoured price tag and the size or recent success of the potential buying club.

Mario Balotelli Could Have Matched Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Says AC Milan Legend

Italy and AC Milan legend Gianni Rivera feels Mario Balotelli had the ability to become one of the greats of his generation. 

The former AC Milan striker’s career is in limbo as Liverpool are desperate to offload a forward they paid £16m to buy last summer, but there are few takers for the mercurial striker.

Balotelli has been grabbing the headlines since his arrival at Liverpool but most of them have been for his off field shenanigans rather than for his performances on the pitch.

After scoring just four goals in a Liverpool shirt, the mercurial Italian is unwanted at Anfield, but Rivera feels the story could have been much different had the striker decided to apply himself to his considerable talent.

The AC Milan great feels Balotelli had the ability to match the greats of his generation, but admits that the striker never applied too much thought to his game.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 71-year-old said: “Balotelli had given me hope, but perhaps his way of thinking didn’t help.

“He could have been at the level of [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if he had more belief.”

Balotelli’s future at Liverpool looks bleak as Brendan Rodgers has so far ignored him from all his pre-season squads and he didn’t make it to the match day squad for their game against Stoke City last weekend.

Danny Murphy Doubts Mario Balotelli Was Signed by Brendan Rodgers

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has suggested that Italian striker Mario Balotelli might not have been bought by manager Brendan Rodgers, according to ​talk SPORT.

It's looking likely that Balotelli won't spend another season on Merseyside as Brendan Rodgers has frozen out the out-of-favour forward.

The Italian troublemaker is not the only player to receive the silent treatment from Rodgers, as defender Jose Enrique and Balotelli's compatriot Fabio Borini have also been given the cold shoulder. 

Borini failed to impress Brendan Rodgers last term whilst Jose Enrique spent the entire season on the sidelines due to a knee injury.

"If you take the three players in the headlines at the moment – Enrique, Borini and Balotelli – they’ve all had a fair crack of the whip, really,” Murphy said.

“Enrique has not helped himself; he’s missed a lot of games with poor excuses in the past couple of seasons and he’s not the bravest." 

Murphy also expressed his thoughts on Liverpool's complex transfer committee.

“I think Balotelli has had a fair go in the team."

"Whether Brendan was solely in charge of getting Balotelli in in the first place, I’m not sure, because they’ve got a committee that get players in." 

“And Borini has actually been a player who has been sought after. Sunderland came in for him and offered good money, but he didn’t want to go.” finished Murphy.

Respected journalist Tony Barrett weighed in on the debate, suggesting Balotelli, Divock Origi, Joe Gomez and Lazar Markovic were committee signings.

Barrett continued, alluding the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, James Milner, Adam Lallana and Christian Benteke were chosen by Rodgers alone.

Mario Balotelli's Liverpool nightmare set to continue after Bologna rule out move

BOLOGNA'S bid to sign Mario Balotelli has stalled due to Liverpool's asking price.

The 24-year-old joined Liverpool last summer from AC Milan for £16m but frustrated manager Brendan Rodgers with a series of indifferent performances.

And Rodgers left Balotelli at their Melwood training ground as they toured Far East and Australia during pre-season.

Sampdoria had expressed an interest in the Italian and Bologna were also said to be keen.

But speaking to Italian website Tuttosport, Bologna director of sport Pantaleo Corvino said: "Balotelli? At the right price I would take it.

Mario Balotelli has fallen out with Brendan Rodgers

"We are out of reach at the level of engagement, but who can afford certain figures is right that offers a chance of recovery to players like him. 

"Our football has to try to find these talents that you are a bit lost after certain errors."

Is Mario Balotelli Available for €10 Million?

Sampdoria's President Massimo Ferrero claims that the 24-year-old is available for a bargain price.

Poor Mario Balotelli. The move to Liverpool hasn't worked out for the Italian international striker, and Brendan Rodgers seems determined to start the impending season without the 24-year-old. Recently, the player was cropped out of a photo on Liverpool's official twitter account when they wanted an image of "world class" players to pair with an Adam Lallana interview, though it should be pointed out that Lallana did not include Balotelli when speaking about the talented players training at Melwood who have not yet linked up with the rest of the squad.

Still, it's just part of the narrative that things haven't been going according to plan for "Super Mario" at Anfield. For those interested in how much Balotelli might fetch in thetransfer window, it appears that Liverpool won't recoup even half the amount paid - - £16 million folks -- for the former Manchester City striker. That isn't a particularly huge sum considering some of the deals made in recent years. The source may be in the know or paying games, you decide.

"Mario Balotelli costs €10m, but with a discount we await him with open arms," Sampdoria President Massimo Ferrero gleefully remarked on a player who seems destined to leave Anfield.

Well. If that is the case, perhaps taking on the player's wages in their entirety would be a condition of securing Balotelli for such a low fee. It could be a case of agreeing a lower contract without any contribution from Liverpool, something that FSG would be keen to avoid. This could just be a tactic from Sampdoria to pursue a loan or a deal where they don't have to pay anything at all. Plus, does Massimo Ferrero want a discount on the discount? That would be awfully cheeky but expected considering the offers Liverpool have received from Italian clubs in recent years.

The arrival of Christian Benteke pushes Balotelli further out of the picture, and irrespective of whether he wants to stay or not, he probably has to find a new home by the end of the transfer window. Mario Balotelli may be considered a greater risk after the season he's had, but a decent club has to make an offer at that price. Even with the salary he'd command, the fee makes a potential deal far more likely than previously believed. Maybe he won't be leaving on loan after all.

Liverpool fans angry at Mario Balotelli after Raheem Sterling tweet

Mario Balotelli's tweet congratulating Raheem Sterling did not go down well with some Liverpool fans

Mario Balotelli has angered Liverpool fans after he congratulated former team-mate Raheem Sterling for scoring on his Manchester City debut.

Sterling finally completed an acrimonious £49m move to City last week and took less than three minutes to find the target for his new club in their 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over Roma in the International Champions Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Balotelli took to social media and tweeted: "Well done @sterling 31 ! Best Answer, keep it up."

However, the former City striker soon regretted his post as other Twitter users urged the Italy international to follow Sterling's lead.

@KopWorldEdito responded: "Hurry up and follow him out of the Anfield exit please."

"@FinallyMario the club may have treated you poorly but the fans have had your back 100% from day one, disappointed to say the least," added @LiverpooLegacy.

Balotelli responded with two further Tweets: "Liverpool fans are amazing but i hope@sterling31 will play at his best because he deserve it. He's a good guy young and talented.....

"Support him Like you always did .He gave everything to this club and respect it so im sad to see this.YNWA ,Liverpool is a family ALWAYS."

Sterling celebrates scoring after just 137 seconds

However, Balotelli’s best efforts failed to calm down some Liverpool fans still angry over the manner of the 20-year-old’s departure.

"Back doing what I love doing," Sterling later tweeted with a picture of himself, which was also met by some abusive replies.

£7m – Liverpool name their price for Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli will be able to leave Liverpool for just £7million this summer, according to Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero.

Despite joining the Reds for £16million from AC Milan last summer, his disastrous first season on Merseyside means the club are willing to let him move on for more than half of that price.

Sampdoria have been the club linked the most with acquiring Balotelli’s signature ahead of the new season, and Ferrero revealed the Italian’s price tag on Monday.

“Mario Balotelli costs €10m, but with a discount we await him with open arms,” he said.

This comes six days after Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers claimed Balotelli’s future lay in his own hands, although not being part of the pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia surely shows his days at Anfield are numbered.

“Mario is obviously not on tour but working hard and training well with a number of other players at Melwood,” said Rodgers.

“I’m not sure (what his future holds), that will entirely be up to Mario.

“He is working hard to get fit and we will see when the season begins.”

Balotelli endured a nightmare 2014/15 campaign with the Reds, scoring just one Premier League goal in 16 appearances, and just four in all competitions.

The arrival of Christian Benteke and Danny Ings, coupled with the return of Divock Origi from his loan spell at Lille, surely signals the end of Balotelli’s forgettable Liverpool career.

Liverpool must drop Mario Balotelli price for us to bid - Sampdoria chief

Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero has not ruled out moving for Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli this summer, although a big discount would be needed before he would seriously consider a bid.

Balotelli, 24, could be available for a cut-price fee this summer after a disappointing first season at Anfield but Ferrero wants the Italy international for just a fraction of the £16 million the Reds paid AC Milan for him last summer.

Speaking in Milan on Monday as the fixtures for the 2015-16 season were drawn, Ferrero said he is waiting for the player's value to drop further before making a move.

"I hear he was in Genoa yesterday, but he costs €10m," Ferrero said, quotes Mediaset television. "With a discount, I would take him with open arms. People have got to get used to how things are in this country -- you can get by with little, you only die when you have nothing."

Balotelli politely rejected a bid from Italian third-division club Lupa Castelli, owned by his former Milan teammate Marco Amelia, who wanted him to forget about his wages for a year to revive his career. Samp might also expect Balotelli to take a drop in wages if he were to join them, although at least they would be able to offer him Serie A and Europa League football. 

Mario Balotelli scored just one Premier League goal last term in what has been a difficult return to England.

Balotelli has so far been unable to hold down a permanent place in the Liverpool first team after suffering with both poor form and fitness. With Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings all arriving as fresh attacking options at Anfield this summer, a move back to Serie A could help Balotelli force his way into the reckoning for a place in Italy coach Antonio Conte's squad for Euro 2016.

Meanwhile, Ferrero says only he will decide whether Antonio Cassano will return to the club for a second spell and that coach Walter Zenga could not veto a move.

"I decide here," he said. "Nobody can dare oppose me. Never rule anything out. If Cassano doesn't come, then we'll sign somebody even better."

Liverpool are already pretending Mario Balotelli doesn't exist

The pictures Liverpool are putting up online suggest they have just decided to erase the existence of their Italian flop

Liverpool's new striker - and a striker they're pretending isn't really there

You don't have to be a football genius to understand why Liverpool are desperate to get rid of Mario Balotelli this summer.

To put it bluntly, the Italian striker's (very short) career at the club has been nothing short of disastrous. So catastrophic, in fact, Liverpool appear unable to find another team willing to take Balotelli off their hands.

Even so, their new strategy appears to be a bit harsh. According to their latest Twitter activity, they are simply pretending he's no longer there.

Take a look at this picture from Liverpool training, featuring Balotelli alongside hisreplacement new team mate Christian Benteke:

Nothing massively remarkable about the image.

Not until you see the version of the image Liverpool tweeted - in reference to their "world class talent"…

‘You are a man without honour’ Fiorentina fans furiously react to Mario Balotelli transfer links

Fiorentina fans reacted angrily to reports that their club were interested in signing Liverpool misfit Mario Balotelli on Monday.
The Reds striker has struggled since moving to Brendan Rodgers’s side from AC Milan last August for around £16million, and the Italian is now surplus to requirements at Anfield.
Reports on Monday claimed that La Viola were interested in a swap deal with the Reds involving Mario Gomez, but supporters of the Serie A side were left non-plussed with the stories.
In fact, such was their outrage that a number of fans decided to vent their fury down at the club’s training ground where they unveiled a banner that clearly stated their opposition to the proposed transfer

.
Balotelli banner

‘You are a man without honour. Balotelli, Florence does not want you’ read the banner.
A difficult debut campaign, that saw Balotelli score just one Premier League goal with the Reds, was compounded by the recent death of his adoptive father Francesco, and the striker was left off the club’s pre-season tour of Thailand, Malaysia and Australia on compassionate grounds.
Balotelli is part of a trio of centre-forwards who are no longer wanted at Anfield and the club are also willing to listen to offers for Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert following the arrivals of Danny Ings, Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino this summer.

Liverpool working on Mario Balotelli - Mario Gomez swap deal

You know what’s the best thing about Mario Balotelli? Despite all his eccentrics, poor performances on pitch, there is always going to be some club out here ready to take gamble on him. This time it’s Fiorentina, who are ready to bring the Liverpool flop back to Italy.

According to Italian media, SportMediaSet, Serie A club Fiorentina are ready to sign Mario Balotelli while Mario Gomez could move to Liverpool as a part of the same deal. Both the players will go out on a season long loan and from thereon decisions will be taken whether to make the deal permanent. 

Italian newspaper Tuttosport adds their own input, saying the two clubs are locked in negotiations over this deal, as Balotelli is desperate to return to Italy after his failed Liverpool spell.

Ballet joined Liverpool from AC Milan or a reported fee of ₤16m, but he failed to adjust to Brendan Rodgers’s system at the club. He was ultimately dropped to the bench and was largely overlooked, and from there on became very clear that he won’t have a long term future at Anfield. 

Furthermore, Balotelli has not included in Liverpool’s pre-season training which gives a strong indication that the club is actively trying to selal him, albeit on loan.

Mario Gomez ‘close to Liverpool transfer in Mario Balotelli swap

Mario Gomez is believed to be close to joining Liverpool



Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal to sign Mario Gomez from Fiorentina – with Mario Balotelli set to go the other way, according to reports.
The Reds are looking to improve their striking options this summer but have struggled with deals to sign Christian Benteke and Alexandre Lacazette.
But reports in Italy say German striker Gomez is set to arrive from Fiorentina on a season-long loan, with Balotelli going the other way in a similar deal.
Brendan Rodgers has always backed Balo but having failed to impress following a £16million move from AC Milan, a switch away seems like the best option for all concerned.

Liverpool transfer report: Mario Balotelli out, former Bayern Munich star in?

Liverpool want to sign Mario Gomez and are ready to offer Mario Balotelli in exchange for the Fiorentina striker, according to reports in Italy.

Brendan Rodgers is on the look out for a new striker this summer and has been heavily linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke.

However, the Reds are reluctant to meet the Belgian’s £32.5million buy-out clause and are looking at alternative options.

Gomez is among the names under consideration and, according to leading publications in Italy, Liverpool are hoping to sign the 30-year-old on loan for the season.

The German was prolific for Bayern Munich, once scoring 41 goals in a single season, but has struggled to make an impact in Serie A since his switch to the Viola in 2013.

Liverpool are reportedly planning to tempt Fiorentina into loaning them the towering hitman by giving them Balotelli in exchange for the season.

The Italian failed to make an impact in his debut year at Anfield and was omitted from Liverpool’s squad for their pre-season tour as they look to move him on.

Mario Balotelli

Mario Barwuah Balotelli (Italian pronunciation: [ˈmaːrjo baloˈtɛlli]; born Mario Barwuah; 12 August 1990) is an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Liverpool and the Italian national team.^[3][4] Balotelli is nicknamed Super Mario after the Italian video game character Mario from the iconic Nintendo game Super Mario Bros..^[5]

He started his professional football career at Lumezzane and played for the first team twice before having an unsuccessful trial atFC Barcelona,^[6] and subsequently joining Inter Milan in 2007. Inter manager Roberto Mancini brought Balotelli into the first team, but when Mancini left, Balotelli's disciplinary record fell away. He had a strained relationship with new manager José Mourinho and was suspended from Inter's first team in January 2009 after a number of disciplinary problems. In March 2010, he came under criticism by Inter fans after he appeared on the Italian TV show Striscia la notizia, wearing an A.C. Milan jersey. This damaged the prospect of him having a long career at Inter, but he did make several appearances after that.

With doubts over his career at Inter, former coach Roberto Mancini had since moved to Manchester City and decided to give Balotelli a fresh chance at a new club. He joined Manchester City in August 2010, where his performances and off-field activities continued to be enigmatic and unpredictable. Balotelli eventually fell out of favour with Mancini after a "training ground bust up" between the two in January 2013.^[7] His departure from City and return to Italy with A.C. Milan followed several weeks later.^[8] After 18 months at A.C. Milan, he returned to the Premier League with Liverpool.

Balotelli earned his first cap for Italy in a friendly match against Côte d'Ivoire on 10 August 2010. He has since amassed over 30 caps and represented his country at UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, helping them reach the final of the former.

Contents

  [hide] 

• 1 Early life
• 2 Club career
  • 2.1 Lumezzane
  • 2.2 Inter Milan
  • 2.3 Manchester City
    • 2.3.1 2010–11
    • 2.3.2 2011–12
    • 2.3.3 2012–13
  • 2.4 Milan
    • 2.4.1 2012–13
    • 2.4.2 2013–14
  • 2.5 Liverpool
    • 2.5.1 2014–15
• 3 International career
  • 3.1 UEFA Euro 2012
  • 3.2 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying
  • 3.3 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup
  • 3.4 2014 FIFA World Cup
• 4 Style of play
• 5 Personality and public image
• 6 Personal life
• 7 Career statistics
  • 7.1 Club
  • 7.2 International
• 8 Honours
  • 8.1 Club
  • 8.2 International
  • 8.3 Individual
• 9 Notes
• 10 References
• 11 External links

Early life

Mario Balotelli was born in Palermo, Sicily from Ghanaian immigrants.^[9] The family moved to Bagnolo Mella in the province of Brescia, Lombardy, when he was two.^[10]

In 1993, the authorities suggested he be placed into foster care. The Barwuah family gave up the three-year-old boy to an Italian foster family, the Balotellis.^[9][11] His foster parents are Silvia, the Jewish daughter of Holocaust survivors,^[12] and Francesco Balotelli.^{[13][14][15][16][17]} They lived in the town of Concesio, Brescia, in northern Italy.^[18]

At first, he stayed at the Balotellis during the weekdays, and returned to his biological parents on weekends. But after a while he started to be indifferent towards his biological parents and adopted the surname of the Balotellis, and it was arranged for him to be permanently fostered by the Balotellis.^[19]

In June 2012, he dedicated his goals that put Italy in the final of the Euro 2012 football championships to his foster mother Silvia, and rushed over to embrace her as she wept after the win.^[9][20]

Balotelli had to wait until his 18th birthday to request Italian citizenship, as the Balotellis had not adopted him. Balotelli officially gained citizenship in Concesio on 13 August 2008.^[21] After the ceremony he released the following statement:

“

I am Italian, I feel Italian, I will forever play with the Italy national team. Mario Balotelli[22]

”

Mario has three biological siblings: Abigail, Enoch, and Angel Barwuah.^[23] Enoch Barwuah, two years his junior, had a trial at English Premier League side Stoke City in December 2011,^[24] and Sunderland in January 2012,^[25] before signing with Salford City on 16 November 2012.^[26] Enoch switched to Maltese Premier League side Qormi in July 2013.^[27]

Club career

Lumezzane

Balotelli began his career at Lumezzane. At the age of 15 he was promoted to the first team, making his first team debut in a Serie C1 league match against Padova on 2 April 2006.^[10]

Inter Milan

Having had an unsuccessful trial with Barcelona at the age of 15,^[6] Balotelli was signed by Inter Milan in 2006 on loan with a pre-set price of €150,000 to co-own the player.^[28] In June 2007 Inter exercised the option and purchased another half for additional €190,000.^[28] On 8 November 2007, as part of Sheffield F.C.'s 150th anniversary celebrations, Balotelli featured in a friendly between the two sides at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane. The game finished 5–2 to Inter, with Balotelli scoring twice.^[29] He made his first team andSerie A debut on 16 December 2007, replacing David Suazo in a 2–0 win against Cagliari.^[30] Three days later he was featured in the starting lineup in a Coppa Italia match against Reggina, scoring two goals in a 4–1 win.^[31] Balotelli gained national attention after he scored two goals against Juventus in the return leg of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, being instrumental in a 3–2 away win for Inter.^[32] His first Serie A goal then came in April 2008 in a 2–0 away win against Atalanta.^[33] Inter went on to win the 2007–08 Serie A.^[34] Balotelli was a substitute in the 2008 Supercoppa Italiana final against Roma. He came on as a replacement for Luís Figo, scoring in the 83rd minute. Inter went on to win the final 6–5 on penalties after the match ended 2–2.^[35]

Balotelli in 2009

In November 2008, Balotelli became the youngest Inter player (at 18 years and 85 days) to score in the Champions League when he scored a goal in a 3–3 draw against Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta, beating the previous record set by Obafemi Martins (at 18 years and 145 days).^[36]In an April 2009 match with Juventus where he scored Inter's only goal in a 1–1 draw, Balotelli was racially abused by Juventus fans throughout the game. This led Inter owner Massimo Moratti to say that he would have pulled the team off the pitch had he been present.^[37] The racist chantswere also condemned by Juventus chairman Giovanni Cobolli Gigli and Juventus were given a one-game home-fan ban because of the incident.^[38] Inter won Serie A for the fourth time in a row.^[39]

In his second season with Inter, Balotelli had a number of disciplinary problems, most notably involving head coach José Mourinho who excluded him from the first team in the second half of January 2009. Earlier that season Mourinho had accused Balotelli of showing a lack of effort in training, stating "as far as I'm concerned, a young boy like him cannot allow himself to train less than people like Figo, Córdoba, and Zanetti."^[40]Balotelli continued to be the subject of racist chants throughout the season, becoming the focus of Juventus fans even during games not involving Inter, leading to Juventus being fined twice and the club ultimately punished with a partial stadium closure.^[41]

Balotelli's disciplinary problems, and his difficult relationship with Mourinho, continued in the 2009–10 season. In November Inter drew 1–1 againstRoma and Mourinho criticized his players, even going as far as saying that Balotelli "came close to a zero rating".^[42] Balotelli had another negative encounter with Juventus fans in the heated Derby d'Italia encounter in an away match against Juventus on 5 December 2009, which Inter lost 2–1. When he was elbowed by Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo in the shoulder, Balotelli fell theatrically onto the pitch, for which he was booked, while Melo was sent off for a second yellow card. The incident sparked an altercation between Balotelli's teammate Thiago Motta and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.^[43][44][45] The tension between Balotelli and Mourinho reached its peak on the eve of the UEFA Champions League second leg against Chelsea after the young striker was not called-up, following an altercation with his manager.^[46] Despite Inter's 1–0 win at Stamford Bridge, London, Balotelli was criticized by several senior players including captain Javier Zanetti^[47] and veteran defenderMarco Materazzi, as well as by his own agent.^[48] In March 2010 he came under heavy criticism from fans after he publicly sported an A.C. Milan (Inter's cross-town rivals) jersey on the Italian show Striscia la Notizia.^[49]

Balotelli released a statement of apology in Inter Milan's official website that read:

“

"I am sorry for the situation that has been created recently. I am the first person who has suffered because I adore football and I want to play, and now I am waiting in silence so I can return to being useful to my team. I want to put the past behind me, look to the future and concentrate on the upcoming commitments and make myself ready." Mario Balotelli[50]

”

After a falling-out with Mourinho, Balotelli was recalled for Inter's April 2010 match against Bologna, and he marked his return with a goal in their 3–0 win.^[51] He again caused controversy in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on 20 April 2010 as he threw his jersey on the ground after the final whistle, in response to Inter fans who had booed him for his poor performance.^[52] He admitted three years later that the incident was the only regret in his life.^[53] Disgruntled fans confronted and tried to attack Balotelli after the game. His behavior on the pitch brought disapproval from his teammates, with Zanetti publicly saying "Mario needs to focus on doing what he can do on the pitch, he can't allow himself to behave like this."^[54] Amid these controversies with his club and manager, many Premier League teams, including Manchester United and Manchester City, indicated that they were interested in signing Balotelli in July 2010.^[55]

Manchester City

2010–11

After weeks of speculation Inter reached an agreement for Balotelli's transfer to Manchester City on 12 August 2010 for €21.8 million.^[56][57] At Manchester City Balotelli reunited with his former boss, Roberto Mancini,^[58] who said, "His style of play will suit the Premier League, and because he is still so young there is a big chance for him to improve. He is a strong and exciting player, and City fans will enjoy watching him."^[58] Balotelli exchanged squad number with teammate Greg Cunningham so that he could continue to wear the number 45 shirt.^[59]

Balotelli (right) with Alex Song and Bacary Sagna in April 2012.

On 19 August 2010 Balotelli came on as a substitute to score in his debut against Politehnica Timişoara in a 1–0 away win in the Europa League,^[60] but during the match injured the lateral meniscus in his right knee and on 8 September underwent surgery that sidelined him until October.^[61] Balotelli eventually made his Premier League debut on 24 October as a substitute in a 3–0 home defeat to Arsenal^[62] and made his first Premier League on 30 October in a 2–1 away defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.^[63] Balotelli scored his first and second Premier League goals on 7 November in a 2–0 away win to West Brom.^[64] In the same game Balotelli received a red card for violent conduct as the result of a clash with Youssuf Mulumbu, which his manager Roberto Mancini described as unfair.^[65] Balotelli scored the first two of City's three goals in the 3–0 win over FC Red Bull Salzburg in Manchester City's Europa League group stage match.^[66]

On 21 December 2010 Balotelli won the Golden Boy Award, saying that only one of the past winners was slightly better than he was – Lionel Messi. He also claimed not to know of Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, the player he narrowly beat to the award.^[67] On 28 December 2010 Balotelli scored his first Premier League hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Aston Villa.^[68] Despite this success Balotelli still had disciplinary problems, and in March 2011 he was sent off in the second-leg of Manchester City's Europa League draw with Dynamo Kyiv.^[69] On 14 May 2011 Balotelli was man of the match in the 2011 FA Cup Final as Manchester City defeated Stoke City 1–0 to win their first trophy in thirty-five years.^[70]

2011–12

"The problem is because of his age, he can make some mistakes. He's Mario. He's crazy – but I love him because he's a good guy."

Roberto Mancini, Balotelli's manager at Inter Milan and Manchester Cityin October 2011^[71]

Balotelli scored his first goal of the 2011–12 campaign in a 2–0 League Cup win againstBirmingham City. He followed this up with the opening goal against Everton three days later. On 1 October 2011 he scored his third goal in as many games in a 4–0 win away to Blackburn Rovers. Balotelli scored the opening two goals and forced the dismissal of Jonny Evans as City beatManchester United 6–1 at Old Trafford on 23 October 2011 in what would prove to be a decisive game in helping win Manchester City the league title.^[72] Balotelli made his Champions League debut for City on 2 November 2011, in the second leg against Villarreal. He scored on a penalty shot near the end of the first half, his first Champions League goal for City and his seventh goal overall in the season.^[73] On 27 November, Balotelli came on as a 65th minute substitute against Liverpool and was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.^[74] Balotelli scored using his right shoulder in City's 5–1 win over Norwich City on 3 December.^[75] He put City 1–0 up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after just two minutes on 12 December, although Chelsea rallied to win 2–1.^[76]

On 22 January 2012, Balotelli came on as a substitute during a match against Tottenham Hotspur. He appeared to stamp on Scott Parker during the match against Tottenham, but, already booked, did not get a second yellow from referee Howard Webb, who did not see the incident.^[77] Balotelli subsequently scored his first goal of 2012, an injury-time penalty which secured a 3–2 win for City.^[78] He was charged for violent conduct for the kick against Scott Parker and was suspended for four matches, three for violent conduct and one for his second sending off.^[77] On 25 February, he scored his tenth league goal of the season in a 3–0 home win against Blackburn Rovers.^[79] He scored again the following game in a 2–0 win against Bolton Wanderers.^[80] On 31 March, Balotelli scored twice as City drew 3–3 at home against Sunderland. However, Balotelli was criticized for his actions in the match after squabbling with Aleksandar Kolarov over a free kick. Roberto Mancini claimed after the game that he had considered substituting Balotelli just five minutes into the match.^[81] On 8 April 2012, Balotelli received his fourth red card of the season, after receiving his second yellow card during the match for a tackle against Bacary Sagna during City's 1–0 loss to Arsenal in April 2012.^[82] He was banned for three games (one for the two yellow cards and two for the previous two red cards in the same season).^[83] After the Arsenal match, Mancini appeared to have finally lost his patience with Balotelli, suggesting that Balotelli would not play any part in the remainder of City's season and be sold by the club.^[84] Despite this, Balotelli did make an appearance as a late substitute in the last game of the season, a title-deciding match against Queens Park Rangers. Balotelli provided the assist to striker Sergio Agüero, who scored in the 94th minute to give City their first league title since 1968.^[85]

2012–13

In December 2012, Balotelli decided to fight against Manchester City's decision to fine him two weeks' wages for his poor disciplinary record the previous season by taking his club to a Premier League tribunal. Balotelli missed 11 games domestically and in Europe last season because of suspensions. With less than a day remaining to the start of the hearing, Balotelli dropped his tribunal action and accepted the fine.^[86]

Milan

2012–13

"I will remember my brilliant team-mates, the manager and all the supporters. They are the best, they were great with me and I will always have a very special place in my heart for City, it's a great club with a great future."
"I spoke with Roberto before I went to speak to the players. We spoke for some time about lots of things. He was sad, and I was too. But it was a good conversation. I love Roberto, he has been very important for my career, and I will always thank him for having trust and faith in me."^[87]

Mario Balotelli on his transfer to A.C. Milan

On 29 January 2013, A.C. Milan's organising director Umberto Gandini announced that the team had agreed a deal to sign Balotelli from Manchester City on a four-and-a-half year deal rumoured to be worth €20 million plus bonuses and add-ons.^[88] Manchester City's then manager Roberto Mancini suggested he had sanctioned Balotelli's sale to A.C. Milan for the good of the player, describing the forward as "like another one of my children" and saying Balotelli could become one of the best players in the world when restored to Serie A.^[89] On 31 January 2013, the Serie A giants completed the signing,^[90] and Balotelli was awarded the number 45 shirt, the same number he wore for Inter Milan and Manchester City. A.C. Milan's vice-president, Adriano Galliani, said "Balotelli in Rossoneri is a dream that has been realized. It is a transfer that everyone wanted: club, president and fans."^[91] Balotelli received a warm reception when he returned to Milan. His arrival saw some fans scuffling with police and one policeman was taken to hospital with head injuries.^[92] It was stated that Silvio Berlusconi's signing of Balotelli would help him gain extra votes in the 2013 Italian general election.^[93]

On 3 February 2013, Balotelli made his debut for A.C. Milan and scored two goals, including a last minute penalty to earn a 2–1 victory over Udinese. The win lifted A.C. Milan to fourth in the table, ahead of Inter Milan on goal difference.^[94] In the next two matches, Balotelli scored two goals, including 30 yards (27 m) free-kick against Parma.^[95] With that goal, he equaled Oliver Bierhoff's record of four goals in first three matches for A.C. Milan.^[96] In his fifth appearance Balotelli appeared as a substitute against Genoa and scored his fifth goal for his new club.^[97] In the match against Palermo, Balotelli continued his impressive scoring streak with two more goals, one from a penalty and another from anM'Baye Niang cross.^[98]

On the final day of the season, Balotelli scored his twelfth goal in thirteen games for A.C. Milan as the team beat Siena to qualify for the 2013–14 Champions League.^[99]

2013–14

On 22 September 2013, Balotelli missed a penalty in a competitive match for the first time in 22 attempts as a professional; the kick was saved by Pepe Reina as A.C. Milan lost 2–1 to Napoli.^[100] During a match against Catania on 1 December, Balotelli accused opponent Nicolás Spolli of racially abusing him, but there was insufficient evidence for any action to be taken.^[101] The following week, Balotelli scored two goals in a 2–2 draw with Livorno, including a sensational 30-yard direct free kick that was clocked at a speed of 109 km/h.^[102]

Liverpool

2014–15

Balotelli playing for Liverpool in September 2014.

On 21 August 2014, A.C. Milan agreed a £16 million fee for Balotelli to return to the Premier League with Liverpool.^[103] The signing was confirmed on 25 August 2014.^[104] Later that day, he watched from the directors' box as Liverpool lost 3–1 at his former club Manchester City.^[105] On 31 August, Balotelli made his Liverpool debut in a 3–0 away win against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.^[106]

Balotelli scored his first Liverpool goal on 16 September, opening a 2–1 Anfield victory against Ludogorets Razgrad in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.^[107] In a match in the same competition on 22 October against Real Madrid, Balotelli was substituted at half time for Adam Lallana with Liverpool losing 3–0 at Anfield. Manager Brendan Rodgers criticised him for having swapped shirts with opponent Pepe at half time, saying "It's something that doesn't happen here and shouldn't happen here."^[108]

He scored his second goal for Liverpool on 28 October, when he turned the ball into the net after a cross from the right in the Football League Cupmatch against Swansea City in a 2–1 win.^[109]

On 18 December 2014, he was suspended for one match and fined £25,000 for posting an image on social media, which appeared to contain anti-Semitic and racist references.^[110]

Balotelli's first Premier League goal for Liverpool came on his 13th appearance, on 10 February 2015, an 83rd-minute winner in a 3–2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, nine minutes after replacing Daniel Sturridge.^[111]

On 19 February 2015, Balotelli gave Liverpool a 1-0 win over Beşiktaş on a late penalty. The goal gave Liverpool a narrow Europa League lead over Besiktas ahead of the return match in Turkey. Before the penalty kick was taken there was a dispute with team captain Jordan Henderson regarding who should take it.^[112]

International career

Balotelli was unable to answer call-ups to the Italian national under-15 and under-17 teams as he was still considered to be a Ghanaian immigrant.^[113]

On 7 August 2007, five days before his seventeenth birthday, Balotelli received his first senior International call-up for Ghana from their coach Claude Le Roy for a friendly against Senegal at the New Den stadium in London, England, on 21 August 2007.^[114] He declined the offer citing once again his willingness to play for Italy when he became eligible.^[115] He also stated his willingness to represent Italy at international level once he acquired an Italian passport.^[116]

Italy U-21 coach Pierluigi Casiraghi stated his intention to call up Balotelli once he obtained Italian citizenship. On 13 August 2008 Balotelli was finally given Italian citizenship.^[117]

“

This is even more exciting than making my debut in Serie A. The best birthday present I could receive now would be a call to join the Italy squad, although I'd be happy to play for the Under 21 team. Mario Balotelli[118]

”

Casiraghi called him to join the Italy national under-21 football team Azzurrini on 29 August for the matches against Greece and Croatia.^[119] In his debut on 5 September 2008 he scored his first international goal in a 1–1 draw with the Greek U-21's.

Balotelli was named in the final 23-man squad for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championships and scored the opening goal against the hosts Sweden in the 23rd minute. Barely 15 minutes later he was shown a red card for retaliating against a Swedish midfielder Pontus Wernbloom.^[120] Italy were eliminated by eventual championsGermany in the semi-finals, following a 1-0 defeat.

On 10 August 2010, Balotelli made his first appearance for the Italian senior team, as part of the squad announced by new head coach Cesare Prandelli, in a friendly match against Côte d'Ivoire – Italy's first match after the 2010 World Cup.^[121] In that match he started alongside debutant Amauri and striker Antonio Cassano in a 1–0 loss.^[122] On 11 November 2011, Balotelli scored his first senior international goal in a 2–0 win against Poland at Stadion Miejski in Wrocław, Poland, also setting up Italy's second goal of the match.^[123]

UEFA Euro 2012

Balotelli playing for Italy in 2012.

Before the tournament in Poland and Ukraine kicked off, in June 2012 Balotelli was interviewed by a newspaper about the state of racism in the host countries. During the interview Balotelli reinforced his threats to walk off the pitch if any of the opposition's fans racially abuse him in any way, and said he would 'kill' anyone that threw a banana at him. He spoke about his increasing fears that black players will be targeted by racists and that he refuses to accept racism in any form, talking of his past incidents surrounding racism in football notably during his time playing in Serie A for Inter Milan.^[124] During the build-up to the competition Manchester City's manager Roberto Mancinihad repetitively defended Balotelli, but he and footballer Daniele De Rossi believed that Mario would need to grow up and mature if he was going to become the centrepiece of future Italian success.^[125]

On 10 June 2012, Balotelli also became the first black player to appear for Italy in a major tournament (Euro or World Cup) in a 1–1 draw against Spain, Italy's first match of Euro 2012. Italy and Spain later played each other for the second time in the tournament in theUkraine's capital city of Kiev. During the 1–1 draw Balotelli failed to make an impact, he was substituted off during the 56th minute after missing multiple chances; specifically a one on one with Spanish goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas just minutes before being subbed off. His replacement was Antonio Di Natale the 34 year-old managed to secure his 11th international goal and put Italy ahead within his time on the pitch. With Balotelli continuing his run of poor form for his nation, fans and critics began calling for Di Natale to replace the "immature and unpredictable striker."^{[126][127][128]}

Later in the tournament, on 18 June 2012, Mario Balotelli scored his first goal in a major international tournament in a 2–0 victory against the Republic of Ireland. When he attempted to celebrate this goal, he was immediately halted by teammate Leonardo Bonucci, who covered Balotelli's mouth with his hand for fear that the striker would say something to "get in trouble."^[129] Balotelli had been dropped to the bench by Cesare Prandelli prior to the game due to his lack of ability shown in his previous group games, so when he was subbed on against Ireland fans didn't expect him to have much of an impact, and his celebration of his goal may have originally been directed towards the naysayers who believe he is bad for the team. Balotelli went on to start against England in the quarter-finals, his performance was described as wasteful but his effort was rated highly in a game where he missed multiple chances. He scored the first penalty taken in the shootout against his Manchester City teammate Joe Hart.^[130] Balotelli scored twice within the first 40 minutes in Italy's semi-final clash with Germany, as the Azzurri won 2–1 and progressed to the Euro 2012 final against European and World champions Spain.^[131] Going into the final Balotelli said that, Manchester City's title success meant that failure in the Euros would not signal a personal failure this season. He also said that he was unfazed by the pressure he supposedly has on his shoulders going into the final, with new high expectations of him from his home supporters after his amazing performance against Germany.^[132]

During the tournament, Balotelli was subject to a case of racial abuse during the game against Croatia, which led UEFA to fine the Croatian Football Federation €80,000.^[133] Italy were defeated 4-0 in the final by defending champions Spain. Despite the heavy defeat, Balotelli was named as part of the Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament due to his performances. With 3 goals, Balotelli finished the tournament as the joint top scorer along with 5 other players, although the Golden Boot ultimately went to Fernando Torres, due to his assist in the Euro 2012 final.

2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying

After establishing himself in the side at Euro 2012, Balotelli remained the first choice striker for Italy's 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

On 21 March 2013, he scored a long range equaliser in a friendly match against Brazil at the Stade de Genève.^[134] Five days later he scored both goals as Italy defeated Maltain a World Cup qualifier, continuing his prolific scoring streak for both club and country since signing for A.C. Milan.^[135]

On 7 June 2013, Balotelli was sent-off in a 0–0 draw with the Czech Republic in Prague.^[136] On 10 September 2013, Balotelli scored the winning goal in a World Cup qualifying match against the Czech Republic in Turin, which allowed Italy to clinch the first place spot in their qualifying group, and ultimately achieve their objective of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.^[137] Balotelli finished the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign as Italy's top scorer, with 5 goals, and he was also the top scorer of his qualifying group, helping Italy to win their group undefeated and qualify for the upcoming World Cup.

2013 FIFA Confederations Cup

On 3 June 2013, he was named in Italy's squad for the 2013 Confederations Cup.^[138] In Italy's opening match on 16 June, Balotelli scored a late-winner, helping Italy to beatMexico 2–1.^[139] In Italy's next group match with Japan, Balotelli scored a penalty to make it 3–2 after being 2–0 down in the first half. Italy went on to win the match 4–3, which allowed them to participate in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup for the first time in their history.^[140] In Italy's final group match against hosts and eventual championsBrazil, Balotelli set up Emanuele Giaccherini's equaliser with a back-heel, although Italy eventually lost the match 4–2.^[141] Prior to the semi-final, Balotelli suffered a thigh injury, preventing him from playing in the remainder of the tournament.^[142] Italy finished the tournament in third place after defeating Uruguay in a play-off.

2014 FIFA World Cup

On 1 June 2014, Balotelli was selected in Italy's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.^[143] In Italy's opening match of the tournament, he scored the team's winning goal in a 2–1 defeat of England on 14 June.^[144] After the match against England, Balotelli says playing in the World Cup for the first time was"a wonderful sensation to experience" and dedicated the goal to his future wife.^[145] Italy lost their next two matches, however, and were eliminated in the first round, finishing third in their group.

Style of play

Agile, quick and powerful,^[146] Balotelli is credited with pace, strength, and technical ability, but criticized for a perceived poor and immature attitude at times.^[147] Balotelli is also a set-piece specialist due to his powerful shot, and is regarded by teammates and the media as a promising but undisciplined player.^[148] He is regarded as one of the best penalty kick takers in world football, a view backed by his former Manchester City goalkeeping team-mate Joe Hart. Balotelli missed his first competitive penalty against Napoli on 22 September 2013 when it was saved by Pepe Reina.

In his two years at Manchester City, he received four red cards – against West Bromwich Albion (November 2010), Dynamo Kyiv (March 2011), Liverpool (November 2011) andArsenal (April 2012). He has also in this time served suspensions for other incidents such as the supposed stamp on Scott Parker.^[83]

Personality and public image

"I told him, if you played with me 10 years ago I would give you every day maybe one punch in your head. There are different ways to help a guy like Mario. I don't speak with him every day, otherwise I would need a psychologist, but I speak with him because I don't want him to lose his quality. If Mario is not one of the best players in the world it will be his fault, because he has everything. Mario can be one of the top players in Europe. I don't want him to lose his talent."

Mancini in April 2012^[149]

Balotelli has been given a reputation by the media for being a difficult character and taking part in questionable and often amusing activities. He was once described by Jose Mourinho as "unmanageable."^[150] In June 2010, Balotelli and a group of friends fired air pistols in the open in Milan's Piazza della Repubblica.^[151] Although denying that he is "crazy" as his mentor Roberto Mancini frequently claims, Balotelli has admitted that he "sometimes does strange things".^[152] In 2010, he was photographed in the company of two noted Mafia mobsters.^[153] Since joining Manchester City, Balotelli has gained a cult following.^[154] Manchester City supporters regularly sang a song with lyrics which made reference to his activities.^[155] Musician Tinchy Stryder recorded a song in Balotelli's honour, Mario Balotelli.^[156]

Balotelli has been the subject of numerous newspaper stories since joining Manchester City; some have been confirmed as true while others have turned out to be erroneous. Within days of joining Manchester City, Balotelli was involved in a car crash.^[157] It was reported that Balotelli was carrying £5,000 cash at the time – and that when a police officer asked why he had such a large sum of cash Balotelli replied: "Because I am rich".^[158] Off-field activities involving Balotelli have included driving into a women's prison in Italy to "have a look round",^[159] and throwing darts at a youth team player during a training ground 'prank'^[160] – all of which have been confirmed to be true. Balotelli has also been subjected to tabloid rumours about him confronting a bully in a school after querying why a young Manchester City fan was not attending classes,^[161] and giving £1,000 to a homeless man on the streets of Manchester.^[162] Both of these allegations subsequently turned out to be false.^[163][164]

"I've finished my words for him. I've finished. I love him as a guy, as a player. I know him. He's not a bad guy and [he] is a fantastic player. But, at this moment, I'm very sorry for him because he continues to lose his talent, his quality. I hope, for him, he can understand that he's in a bad way for his future. And he can change his behaviour in the future. But I'm finished."

Mancini in April 2012 following Balotelli's dismissal against Arsenal^[84]

Video footage before City's Europa League clash with Dynamo Kiev in March 2011 showed Balotelli requiring assistance to put on a training bib,^[165] an incident which teammate Edin Džeko was seen mimicking the following week in the warm up before City's game at Chelsea.^[166] In September 2011, Balotelli was reportedly seen using his iPadwhilst on the substitutes' bench for Italy during their game with the Faroe Islands,^[167] although he denied this on a visit to a prison later that week.^[168]

A t-shirt printed with the words "Why always me?", similar to the one worn by Balotelli

Balotelli celebrated his goal against Manchester United in October 2011 by unveiling a shirt with the words: "Why always me?" on it – a celebration which seemingly disputes the accuracy of newspaper reports.^[169] The day before the match, Balotelli and his friends set Balotelli's house on fire when a firework was let off in it, and later that week Balotelli was unveiled as Greater Manchester's ambassador for firework safety.^[170] On 5 November 2011, at the annual fireworks display at Edenbridge, Kent, a 12 metre tall bonfire effigy of Balotelli was unveiled – complete with a Super Mario hat, and a house in the right hand and a 'Giant TNT' firework in his left, which were reference to his recent incident.^[171][172] In December 2011, Balotelli broke a 48-hour curfew before City's game against Chelsea to go to a curry house, although he "was not drinking alcohol, signed autographs, posed for pictures with fellow diners and was involved in a mock sword-fight using rolling pins". The club launched an internal investigation.^[173] In March 2012, when Inter Milan (Balotelli's former club) held a press conference for their new manager Andrea Stramaccioni, Balotelli gatecrashed the event.^[174] In December 2012, Balotelli was due to take Manchester City to a Premier League tribunal to protest a fine of two weeks' wages over his poor disciplinary record, but eventually dropped his tribunal action a day before the hearing.^[175]

On 1 December 2014, Balotelli was accused of racism and antisemitism for posting an image on Instagram of the video game character Mario, with the caption "jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a jew". In response to criticisms, he wrote: "My Mom is jewish so all of u shut up please". Ballotelli was raised by his Jewish adoptive mother from the age of 3.^{[176][177][178]}

Personal life

In 2012, Balotelli featured in GQ where he and British musician Tinie Tempah were named as the best and second-best dressed men in the world respectively.^[179] Balotelli also appeared on the cover of the November 2012 edition of Time Magazine.^[180]

Balotelli is a fan of mixed martial arts, as he has stated in the past that he would love to compete in the sport professionally if he were not a footballer.^[181]

Balotelli owns several cars, including a Range Rover Evoque, Ferrari 458 Spider, Bentley Continental GT, Maserati GT, and Audi R8 V10.^[182]

In January 2013, Balotelli's net worth was estimated to be US$40 million,^[182] up from US$25 million in January 2012.^[183] Balotelli bought a £3 million mansion in the United Kingdom.^[182]

Balotelli no longer drinks alcohol.^[184]

In July 2012, Balotelli's former girlfriend Raffaella Fico claimed that she was pregnant with his child,^[185] while Balotelli responded by claiming that he would only assume paternal responsibilities upon a positive paternity test.^[186] Fico's daughter Pia was born on 5 December 2012.^[187] Later in December 2012, Fico accused Balotelli of being "irresponsible" and "not interested" in her newborn daughter. In response, Balotelli threatened to take legal action against Fico to defend his reputation against what he considered false accusations.^[188][189] In February 2014, Balotelli finally acknowledged paternity of his daughter Pia following a positive DNA test.^[190][191]

In March 2013, Balotelli got engaged to his Belgian fiancée, Fanny Neguesha.^[192] They split in September 2014.^[193]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played on 2 July 2015.^[194]

Club	Season	League			Cup[nb 1]		League Cup		Europe		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Lumezzane	2005–06	Serie C1	2	0	—								2	0
	Total		2	0	—								2	0
Inter Milan	2007–08	Serie A	11	3	4	4	—		0	0	0	0	15	7
	2008–09		22	8	2	0			6[a]	1	1[b]	1	31	10
	2009–10		29	9	5	1			8[a]	1	1[b]	0	40	11
	Total		59	20	11	5	—		14	2	2	1	86	28
Manchester City	2010–11	Premier League	17	6	5	1	0	0	6[c]	3	—		28	10
	2011–12		23	13	0	0	2	1	6[d]	3	1[e]	0	32	17
	2012–13		14	1	1	0	1	1	4[a]	1	0	0	20	3
	Total		54	20	6	1	3	2	16	7	1	0	80	30
Milan	2012–13	Serie A	13	12	0	0	—		—		—		13	12
	2013–14		30	14	1	1			10[a]	3			41	18
	Total		43	26	1	1	—		10	3	—		54	30
Liverpool	2014–15	Premier League	16	1	4	0	3	1	5[f]	2	—		28	4
	Total		16	1	4	0	3	1	5	2	—		28	4
Career total			173	67	22	7	6	3	45	14	3	1	247	94

1. ^ Jump up to:^a b c d All appearances in UEFA Champions League
2. ^ Jump up to:^a b Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana
3. Jump up^ All appearances in Europa League
4. Jump up^ Three appearances and two goals in UEFA Champions League, Three appearances and one goal in Europa League
5. Jump up^ Appearance in FA Community Shield
6. Jump up^ Three appearances and one goal in UEFA Champions League, Two appearances and one goal in Europa League

International

As of match played on 24 June 2014.^[195]

Italy national team
Year	Apps	Goals
2010	2	0
2011	5	1
2012	9	4
2013	13	7
2014	4	1
Total	33	13

Honours

Club

Inter Milan

• Serie A (3): 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10^[194]
• Coppa Italia (1): 2009–10^[194]
• Supercoppa Italiana (1): 2008^[194]
• UEFA Champions League (1): 2009–10^[194]

Manchester City

• Premier League (1): 2011–12^[194]
• FA Cup (1): 2010–11^[194]
• FA Community Shield (1): 2012^[194]

International

• UEFA European Football Championship Runner up: 2012^[194]
• FIFA Confederations Cup Third place: 2013^[196]

Individual

• Coppa Italia Top Goalscorer (1): 2007–08^[197]
• Golden Boy Award (1): 2010^[198]
• FA Cup Final Man of the Match (1): 2011^[199]
• UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament (1): 2012^[200]
• UEFA European Championship Co-Top Goalscorer (1): 2012^[201]
• Serie A Team of the Year (1): 2012–13^[202]