Manchester City’s ‘Super’ Mario Balotelli

The Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has certainly given the 2011-12 seasons some controversy with his mischievous and arguably dangerous antics, both on and off the pitch.

His career at Manchester City began with a £23million transfer from Inter Milan in August 2010, where tensions were already running high after an appearance on the Italian TV show ‘Striscia la Notizian’ wearing an A.C. Milan top in March of 2010. It was been alleged that once Mancini had left Milan, Balotelli began a strained relationship with new coach Mourinho, and after a number of disciplinary records and receiving a number of suspensions it was time for a move for the Italian, and it seemed fitting that he should return to his former boss. Reunited at City with his former Milan boss, Mancini had this to say to say “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”. But it seems even Mancini cannot contain the star strikers enigmatic attitude and as a result has received 3 bans from the FA.

We all remember the incident during Spurs vs. City match when Balotelli stumbles (well at first glance) whilst in a tackle with Scott Parker, the end result leaving the English midfielder being stamped on. The ref showed no red card for this event however, but rightly so it caused uproar in the footballing world, this act of blatant violence and a disregard of respect for parker. After investigating the FA issued Balotelli with a 4 match ban.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6caNpwDYJ98&noredirect=1

Balotelli has to be renowned for his flair with the ball, his consistency with passing and his ability to create set pieces along with his pace along the front line, and his powerful shoot leading to a total of 13 goals in this season alone. His ability to celebrate with a cool and collective response has leaded him to be an inspirational player to all budding footballers.

After scoring in the derby against Manchester United Balotelli revealed a “Why always me” t-shirt, a shirt which hit the headlines in the press for days after his goal but more recently after celebrating a goal against Blackburn Rovers he revealed a similar t-shirt saying “Raffaella ti amo” a cute gesture to his girlfriend Raffaella Fico.

It has to be admitted that the Italian strikers of pitch incidents have become more prominent than his on pitch antics. Within a few days of his transfer to City, Balotelli was involved in a car crash on the Chester Road in Manchester, and luckily escaped unhurt… with a notable 5 grand on the front seat.  When asked why he was carrying such a large amount of cash by a police officer Balotelli retorted “Because I am rich”. A visit to a local primary school, a trip to a local church with a donation of £200, an infamous £1000 round at a pub, and becoming an ambassador a campaign for firework safety within the same week that a firework caused a fire in his home is just to name a few notorious episodes under Balotelli’s belt.

Just less of the cards ey?

“Oh Balotelli he’s a striker…
He’s good at darts
He’s allergic to grass but when he plays He’s f*king class.
Drives round Moss Side/ with a wallet full of cash
Can’t put on his vest/ But when he does he is the best
Goes into schools/ Tells teachers all the rules
Sets fire to his gaff/ With rockets from his bath
Doesn’t give a f*k/ Cos he did it for a laugh
Runs back to his house/ For a suitcase full of cash
Oh Balotelli …”