Mario Balotelli (9 Viewers)

Fake Melo

Ghost Division
Sep 3, 2010
37,077
#1
I know that there's a thread for him, but hopefully it'll be closed and we'll follow on this one.

One of my fav. players.



Full name: Mario Barwuah Balotelli
Date of birth: 12 August 1990 (age 21)
Place of birth: Palermo, Italy
Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Playing position: Striker​

Mario Barwuah Balotelli (Italian pronunciation: [ˈmarjo baloˈtɛlli]; born 12 August 1990) is an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for English team Manchester City and the Italian national team.
At the age of three he was fostered by Francesco and Silvia Balotelli after his parents asked social services for help with Mario because of their cramped living conditions. As Balotelli's reputation as a footballer grew his biological parents, the Burwuahs, asked for him back. Balotelli later said that his parents only wanted him back because he had become famous and described them as "glory hunters".
He started his professional football career at Lumezzane and only played for the first team twice before having an unsuccessful trial at FC Barcelona, and subsequently joining Internazionale in 2007. Roberto Mancini brought Balotelli into the first team but, when Mancini left, Balotelli's disciplinary record fell away. Balotelli had a strained relationship with new head coach José Mourinho and in January 2009 he was suspended from Inter's first team after a number of disciplinary problems. His problems deepened in March 2010 when he came under heavy criticism by the 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. He again caused controversy by throwing his Inter jersey on the floor when he was booed off by his own supporters in the UEFA Champions League semi-final tie with Barcelona.
Despite disciplinary problems he earned his first call-up for the Italian national football team for a friendly match against the Côte d'Ivoire after gaining Italian citizenship. He earned his first cap in that game, partnering Antonio Cassano and Amauri in attack.

Early life

Balotelli was born in Palermo, Sicily, to Ghanaian immigrants Thomas and Rose Barwuah. The family moved to Bagnolo Mella in the province of Brescia, Lombardy, shortly after Balotelli was born. As an infant Balotelli had life-threatening complications with his intestines which led to a series of operations, although his condition had improved by 1992. Mario's health problems and the family's cramped living conditions meant the Barwuahs decided to ask for the help of social services who recommended that Mario be fostered. In 1993 Mario was three years old when the Barwuah family agreed to entrust him to Francesco and Silvia Balotelli, with the legal move formalized by the Court of Brescia. When Mario Balotelli became famous his biological parents asked for his return. He later accused his biological parents of "glory hunting", stating that they only wanted him back because of the prominence he had gained. According to Law 91 of 5 February 1992, Balotelli had to wait until his 18th birthday in order to request Italian citizenship, as the Balotellis had not adopted him, and he officially gained citizenship on 13 August 2008.

Club career

Lumezzane
Balotelli began his career with 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.

Internazionale
Having had an unsuccessful trial with FC Barcelona at the age of 15Balotelli was signed by Internazionale in 2006 on a loan deal with an option to purchase. He made his first team and Serie A debut on 16 December 2007 replacing David Suazo in a 2–0 win against Cagliari. Three days later he featured in the starting lineup in a Coppa Italia match against Reggina, scoring two goals in a 4–1 win.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 Internazionale. His first Serie A goal then came in April 2008 in a 2–0 away win against Atalanta. Inter went on to win the 2007–08 Serie A. Balotelli was a substitute in the 2008 Supercoppa Italiana final against A.S. 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.


Balotelli in 2008 at 18 years old
In November 2008 he scored his first Champions League goal in a 3–3 draw against Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta, becoming the youngest Inter player (at 18 years and 85 days) to score in the Champions League. This beat the previous record set by Obafemi Martins at 18 years and 145 days. In April 2009 Balotelli scored Inter's goal in a 1–1 draw with Juventus and was racially abused by Juventus fans throughout the game, including chants such as "Black Italians do not exist". This led to Massimo Moratti saying that he would have pulled the team off the pitch if he had been present. The racist chants were also condemned by Juventus chairman Giovanni Cobolli Gigli and Juventus were given a one game home-fan ban because of the incident. Inter won Serie A for the fourth time in a row.
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." Balotelli continued to be the subject of racist chants throughout the season, becoming the focus of Juventus fans even during games not involving Internazionale, leading to Juventus being fined twice and the club ultimately punished with a partial stadium closure.
Balotelli's disciplinary problems, and his difficult relationship with Mourinho, continued in the 2009–10 season. In November Inter drew 1–1 against Roma and Mourinho criticized his players, even going as far as saying that Balotelli "came close to a zero rating". The young striker again incurred the wrath of Juve (Juventus) fans in the heated Derby d'Italia away encounter with Juventus on 5 December 2009 which Inter lost 2–1. When he was elbowed by Juve midfielder Felipe Melo in the shoulder he fell on the pitch clutching his face and was promptly booked, while Melo was sent off for a second yellow card. The incident sparked a fiery altercation between teammate Thiago Motta and Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The tension between player and manager 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 Mourinho. Despite Inter's 1–0 win at Stamford Bridge, London, Balotelli was criticized by several senior players including captain Javier Zanetti and veteran defender Marco Materazzi as well as his own agent. In March 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.


Zlatan Ibrahimović with Balotelli
Balotelli released a statement of apology in Internazionale'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

After a spell out of the team, Balotelli was recalled for the match against Bologna and he marked his return with a goal in their 3–0 win. He soon caused controversy again in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on 20 April 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. This led to an attempt by a small group of supporters to physically attack Balotelli after the end of the game. His behaviour brought disapproval from fans, team-mates and football pundits.

Manchester City
After weeks of speculation Inter reached an agreement for Balotelli's transfer to Manchester City on 12 August 2010, believed to be for around £24 million. However Inter reported it received €21.856 million, net of solidarity contribution to Inter and to other club, which in total about €22.6 million (as about 3.29% as solidarity contribution, payment to former club he spent in 9 years and a month). At Manchester City Balotelli reunited with his former boss, Roberto Mancini. 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".
On 19 August 2010 Balotelli came on as a substitute to score in his debut against FC Timişoara in a 1–0 away win in the Europa League. Unfortunately he injured the lateral meniscus in his right knee in the match and on 8 September he underwent surgery that saw him sidelined until October. Balotelli eventually made his Premier League debut on 24 October as a substitute in a 0–3 home defeat to Arsenal and made his full debut on 30 October in a 2–1 away defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Balotelli scored his first and second Premier League goals on 7 November in a 2–0 away win to West Brom.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. 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.
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. On 28 December 2010 Balotelli scored his first Premier League hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Aston Villa. Despite this Balotelli still had problems and in March 2011 he was sent off in the second-leg of Manchester City's Europa League tie with Dynamo Kiev. 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.

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.
On 7 August 2007, five days before his 17th 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.He declined the offer citing once again his willingness to play for Italy when he became eligible. He also stated his willingness to represent Italy at international level once he acquired an Italian passport.
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 and Casiraghi called him to join the Italy national under-21 football team "Azzurrini" on 29 August for the matches against Greece and Croatia.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 defender Pontus Wernbloom.
Balotelli received his first call-up for the Italian senior team, as part of the squad announced by new head coach Cesare Prandelli, for a friendly match against Côte d'Ivoire - the first match after the 2010 World Cup.On 10 August 2010, two days before his 20th birthday, he made his debut in that match partnering Cassano and Amauri in a 0–1 loss.

Style of play

Balotelli is credited with pace, a forceful shot and technical ability, but criticised for a petulant attitude. His failed back-heel shot against LA Galaxy in July 2011 friendly led to accusations of "showboating" by his own manager and club.He is often nicknamed "Super Mario" and can play anywhere along the front line. Balotelli is also a set-piece (dead ball) specialist and is regarded as a promising but difficult young striker.
 

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Dostoevsky

Tzu
Administrator
May 27, 2007
88,428
#2
I think Balotelli is one of the craziest talents out there. Not many players can pull magic like this guy, his touches are great. Sadly he's a brainless guy, too bad... he seems much, much worse than Cassano when it comes to attitude. When he's playing he's doing his best and it's what I like, but outside of pitch he becomes one crazy fucker. Even for Italy he was playing with his Ipod while sitting on the bench, Prandelli went nuts, rightfully so. I think he would've been one of the best players around if he had the right brain.

EDIT: Change that pic man :p it's too huge.
 

Cuti

The Real MC
Jul 30, 2006
13,517
#3
If only it wasn't for his really bad attitude he'd be an amazing player that every team would want! However this season he seems to be improving, and really saw this when he came on as a substitute last Saturday, and scored, and as his celebration he went and hugged Mancini...a couple of seasons ago he would have done something to provoke, sort of to say I should have started not the others.

For the Italy's sake, I hope this is attitude is behind him!
 

Elvin

Senior Member
Nov 25, 2005
36,809
#6
This shouldn't be under 'Forza Juve', it should be under 'club football' or 'international football' because these topics/players have nothing to do with Juve.
 

Dostoevsky

Tzu
Administrator
May 27, 2007
88,428
#12
If only it wasn't for his really bad attitude he'd be an amazing player that every team would want! However this season he seems to be improving, and really saw this when he came on as a substitute last Saturday, and scored, and as his celebration he went and hugged Mancini...a couple of seasons ago he would have done something to provoke, sort of to say I should have started not the others.

For the Italy's sake, I hope this is attitude is behind him!
Yeah but like I said when he's on the pitch he's giving his best always. He's not making much (if any) trouble while playing. It's when he's on the bench or outside of the stadium. Unlike Cassano, who many times didn't show any interest to play and he was always moaning, Balotelli is not doing it.
 

Cuti

The Real MC
Jul 30, 2006
13,517
#13
Yeah but like I said when he's on the pitch he's giving his best always. He's not making much (if any) trouble while playing. It's when he's on the bench or outside of the stadium. Unlike Cassano, who many times didn't show any interest to play and he was always moaning, Balotelli is not doing it.
True true, this year he has been better behaved on the bench and when substituted. Don't think he's done anything stupid since throwing darts at the youth players lol
 

Dostoevsky

Tzu
Administrator
May 27, 2007
88,428
#15
True true, this year he has been better behaved on the bench and when substituted. Don't think he's done anything stupid since throwing darts at the youth players lol
Like playing with his Ipod while sitting on Italy's bench? lol

I wish he had a normal brain, he'd be on the top.
 
OP
Fake Melo

Fake Melo

Ghost Division
Sep 3, 2010
37,077
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread Starter #17
    He is just a kid, I am hoping he'll mature.

    Prandelli couple of days ago:

    “Antonio [Cassano] did it all by himself. He became aware of his strength and what he can give the Nazionale. Mario is on the right track too. He’s a generous lad who is slowly finding within himself the way to put his talent at the disposal of his teammates, fighting for a single shared objective.

    The fans have understood him and now he needs to continue like this.”
     

    Dostoevsky

    Tzu
    Administrator
    May 27, 2007
    88,428
    #18
    Well... Cassano did mature. But you know what? He has done so when he turned out 29, which is rather sad. Balotelli is on the right path for what, to become mature like Cassano, in 10 years time? :p
     

    JuveJay

    Senior Signor
    Moderator
    Mar 6, 2007
    72,074
    #20
    I think he has somewhat improved under his daddy Mancini, but he'll always be a moron. As long as he doesn't cost Italy any tournament exits or anything like that I'm not bothered what he does at his clubs.
     

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