Look up save or saved in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Save may refer to:

• Save (baseball), when a pitcher finishes a game for the winning team under certain prescribed circumstances
• Save (ice hockey), when a goalie prevents a goal

An organization

• SAVE Foundation (Safeguard for Agricultural Varieties in Europe)
• Save (Save the Children), an international organization helping children in need around the world
• Save (Save International), in Value Engineering
• Save (Society Against Violence in Education), a non profit organization working against ragging in India.

A place:

• Save (Garonne), a river in southern France
• Save River (Africa), a river in Zimbabwe and Mozambique
• Savé, Benin
• Sava, a river in Eastern Europe also known as Save
• Säve Flygplats, former name for the Gothenburg City Airport

Saved may refer to:

• Saved (album), a 1980 album by Bob Dylan
• Saved (Swans EP), a 1989 EP by Swans
• Saved (play), a play by Edward Bond
• Saved (TV series), a 2006 television drama
• Saved!, a 2004 film
• Saved game, saved progress of a player in a video game
• Salvation, in theology, can mean three related things
• "Saved", a song by Kutless from their self-titled album
• "Save", a song by The Rocket Summer from the album Do You Feel

See also[link]

• All pages beginning with "Save"
• saving

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One Chance is an R&B vocal group based in Chicago, best known for their 2006 song "Look at Her", which peaked at number 53 on the Billboard R&B chart.

Biography[link]

A four-member R&B group from Chicago, One Chance consists of Rob Brent, Courtney Vantrease, and brothers Jon Gordon and Michael Gordon. The group got their break when they performed for Usher, who then signed them to his label, US Records.^[1][2] Originally a quintet, the group's debut was on the 2005 soundtrack for In the Mix, with the songs "That's My Word" and "Could This Be Love".^[3]

Their first single released was "That's My Word" (a fifth member who subsequently left the group can be seen in its video).^[4] In 2006, their single "Look at Her" reached number 53 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.^[5] "U Can't", released in March 2008, peaked at number 73 on the Billboard R&B songs chart.^[6]

Originally slated for release in late 2006, their debut album, Private, was repeatedly pushed back and eventually shelved,^[7] and the group was dropped by US Records. The group's debut album is now planned to be self-titled.

In June 2009, they signed with Infrared Entertainment, a music production and artist development company, then in September 2009, with T-Pain's Nappy Boy Entertainment imprint.^[8]

On September 23, 2010, the group released their newest single, "Sexin' on You", from an anticipated upcoming album expected to be released in 2011.^{[dated info]}

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

Mixtapes[link]

• 2011: Ain't No Room For Talkin
• 2011: The Chicago Quartet (With DJ NB)

Singles[link]

Guest appearances[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• One Chance on Myspace
• One Chance at Allmusic

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Pepe Reina

Personal information
Full name	José Manuel Reina Páez
Date of birth	(1982-08-31) 31 August 1982 (age 29)[1]
Place of birth	Madrid, Spain
Height	1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[1]
Playing position	Goalkeeper
Club information
Current club	Liverpool
Number	25
Youth career
	EF Madrid Oeste
1995–1999	Barcelona
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1999–2000	Barcelona B	41	(0)
2000–2002	Barcelona	30	(0)
2002–2005	Villarreal	109	(0)
2005–	Liverpool	254	(0)
National team‡
1998–1999	Spain U16	9	(0)
1999	Spain U17	2	(0)
2000	Spain U18	1	(0)
2000–2003	Spain U21	20	(0)
2005–	Spain	25	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 23:55, 22 March 2012 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 30 May 2012

José Manuel "Pepe" Reina Páez (Spanish pronunciation: [xoˈse maˈnwel ˈreina ˈpa.eθ]; born 31 August 1982) is a Spanish footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for English Premier League team Liverpool. In the 2010–11 season he made his 100th Premier League clean sheet for Liverpool, in a 3–0 win against Aston Villa.

The son of famed FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Miguel Reina, Reina began his career with the Barcelona youth team and made his La Liga debut in the 2000–01 season. He signed for Villarreal in 2002. However, he soon moved on to Liverpool and made his debut in 2005. He instantly became first-choice goalkeeper and won his first major honour in 2006, the FA Cup. He saved three out of four West Ham United penalties in the final. In 2007, Liverpool reached the Champions League Final, matching the feat achieved by his father in 1974, but they lost to A.C. Milan.

At international level, Reina played for Spain's youth team, winning the UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship in 1999. He made his senior debut in 2005, and has generally been selected as the second-choice keeper behind Iker Casillas. He was part of the Spain squad for the 2006 World Cup and made one appearance in their victorious Euro 2008 campaign, earning him his first international honour. In 2010 he won FIFA World Cup with Spain, despite not making an appearance in the competition.

Reina has been an ever-present fixture for Liverpool in the league since the start of the 2007–08 season.^{[dated info]} He is also the record holder for appearances by a Spanish player in the Premier League, with more than 200 appearances in just the first five seasons, 108 of the 219 appearances being clean sheets.^[2]

Reina is well known for his distribution, and ability to save penalties. He is the second vice-captain for Liverpool in the absence of Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard. Reina has set a number of goalkeeping records for Liverpool and won the Premier League Golden Glove award for clean sheets in first three seasons at the club.

Club career[link]

Early career[link]

Son of the former FC Barcelona goalkeeper, Miguel Reina, José Manuel began his football career in the youth academy of Barcelona, La Masia. From 1997 he played as a first-choice goalkeeper for the Barcelona reserve side, which then competed in the third tier in the Spanish football pyramid. In 2000 Aged 18 he was called up for the Barcelona first-team, after the first and second choice goalkeepers, Richard Dutruel and Francesc Arnau, suffered injuries. According to the first-team coach Serra Ferrer, who had called up Reina, the keeper showed great promise, but after a couple of months Ferrer was himself fired and Reina demoted from first team action.^[3] Two years later, in 2002, he was loaned out Villarreal, becoming their first-choice goalkeeper. Following some good performances, he caught the attention of Liverpool .

Liverpool[link]

Reina playing for Liverpool in 2007

Reina was signed by Liverpool from Villarreal in July 2005, with manager Rafael Benítez hailing him as "the best goalkeeper in Spain". Reina made his Liverpool debut against Total Network Solutions, now known as The New Saints, in the first qualifying round for the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League.

For the 2005–06 season, Reina took over as Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper, relegating 2005 Champions League hero Jerzy Dudek to the bench. At the start of the season on 17 August 2005, Reina made his international debut for Spain in a friendly against Uruguay. Spain won 2–0.

The season turned out to be successful for Liverpool as they improved upon the previous year's league placing and won the FA Cup. It was also a huge success personally for Reina as he notched up Liverpool records. On 3 December 2005, Reina kept his sixth consecutive clean sheet against Wigan Athletic in the Premier League, to break the Liverpool club record for successive clean sheets in the Premiership era. He surpassed David James' record of five games, from the 1996–97 season. Reina's incredible run ended at eight league games, when Everton's James Beattie headed past him into the Liverpool net in Liverpool's 3–1 win over their Merseyside rivals, on 28 December 2005. Reina also broke Liverpool's consecutive clean-sheet record, with 11 between October and December 2005. Mineiro, of São Paulo, finally scored past him on 18 December 2005, during the FIFA Club World Cup Final.

A big talking point occurred on 5 February 2006, in a league game against Chelsea. Reina, having made a challenge on Eiður Guðjohnsen moments earlier, was controversially sent off for patting the face of Arjen Robben, who fell down theatrically,^[4] described as "going down like he'd been sledgehammered" by pundit (and ex-Liverpool player) Alan Hansen. Liverpool ended up losing the game 2–0 and Reina was given a three match ban.

On 16 April 2006, Reina celebrated his 50th appearance for Liverpool by keeping a clean sheet against Blackburn Rovers. As a result, he holds a Liverpool record for the fewest goals conceded by a keeper in their first 50 games. The previous record was set by Ray Clemence in 1970–71, when he conceded 32 goals. Reina conceded just 29.

In May 2006, Reina was awarded the Premier League's Golden Glove award for keeping 20 clean sheets in the 2005–06 season.

In the final domestic game of the season - the FA Cup Final on 13 May 2006 - Reina made a number of errors to allow the Hammers to lead 3–2. Steven Gerrard saved Reina's blushes with a late equaliser, before the goalkeeper made a crucial save in extra time. The match ended 3–3 and went to penalties, where Reina saved three out of four penalties to gain the cup win.

During the 2006–07 season, despite making early season blunders (most notably against Liverpool city rivals Everton in a 3–0 defeat), Reina's status as Liverpool's number-one keeper was further cemented by Dudek's conceding nine goals within a week in two cup ties against Arsenal. After the 2007 Champions League semi-final first-leg against Chelsea, Reina was awarded man of the match by Liverpool supporters thanks to a string of superb saves, including two stunning saves from England midfielder Frank Lampard. He repeated his good form in the second leg, keeping a clean sheet. The match went to a penalty shootout, where Reina reinforced his penalty-saving reputation, stopping two of the three Chelsea kicks as Liverpool won 4–1. On his return home from the match, he discovered his house in Woolton had been burgled. Three weeks later in Athens, Reina became only the third player to follow in his father's footsteps by appearing in a European Cup final. Reina signed a new deal with Liverpool - until 2012 - on 7 June 2007.^[5]

In August 2007, Reina once again won the Premier League's Golden Glove Award for the second successive season, after keeping 19 clean sheets in the 2006–07 Premier League campaign.^[6][7]

On 2 February 2008, Reina became the quickest goalkeeper in Liverpool history to keep a half century of clean sheets. He hit the milestone during a 3–0 win against Sunderland, on his 92nd league outing, beating the previous record by three.^[8] He then went on to tie with Petr Čech for the Barclays Golden Glove award for the season, but Čech was awarded the trophy with a better goals to game ratio. Reina signed a new contract with Liverpool, replacing his previous one. The contract keeps him at Anfield until 2016. About signing for such a long time he said “Why commit? Because I am happy here and I think the club is happy too. I see no reason to leave.”^[9]

Reina got his 2010–11 season off to a mixed start, making some world class saves against Arsenal in Liverpool's opening Premier League fixture, before pushing Marouane Chamakh's effort into his own goal. Manager Roy Hodgson, club captain Steven Gerrard and vice-captain Jamie Carragher were all quick to get behind Reina and back him to not let the mistake affect his season. In the Europa League match against SSC Napoli, in the second half both Gerrard and Carragher were absent, so Reina once again captained the team to a credible 0–0 draw.^[10][11][12]

It was announced by manager Roy Hodgson on 1 December 2010 that Reina would captain the Reds in their forthcoming match against Steaua in the Europa League. This was due to the absences of regular club captain Steven Gerrard and vice-captain Jamie Carragher. Reina captained Liverpool in the Premier League on 6 December 2010, in a 3-0 victory against Aston Villa.^[13] This clean sheet gave him his 100th in 198 games, the fastest Liverpool keeper to reach this landmark. On 9 May 2011, Reina played his 150th consecutive league game for Liverpool. Reina was only one of two players to have played in all of Liverpool's league games for 2010–11 season. In June 2011, Reina had a double hernia operation.

Reina announced on 3 September 2011 that he wanted to stay at Liverpool for another five or six years, because he and his family had settled in so well, and the people were so nice to him.^[14]

On 26 February 2012, Reina won his second major honour with Liverpool, beating Cardiff City on penalties in the Football League Cup final.^[15] On 1 April 2012, Reina received a red card in a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United due to violent conduct on Newcastle player, James Perch.^[16] Reina hadn't missed a Liverpool league match for over five years.^{[citation needed]} This resulted in Doni playing the next two games, against Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers (during the latter of which Doni was also sent off), meaning Doni became the first goalkeeper except Reina to play a league game since Daniele Padelli against Charlton Athletic on 13th May 2007. Reina also missed the FA Cup semi-final against Everton on 14 April.

International career[link]

Reina has been a regular in the Spain squad, mostly as second choice keeper after Iker Casillas. He was part of the team that won the Euro 2008 but only played one game in the finals. He played a full game against Greece which Spain won 2–1.

In October 2008, he and Casillas broke the national record for the longest time spent without conceding a goal. They went unbeaten for 710 minutes, longer than the legendary Andoni Zubizarreta and Francisco Buyo. Wesley Sonck of Belgium ended their goalless streak when he scored against them in a 2010 World Cup qualifying match. In July 2010 he won the FIFA World Cup in South Africa with Spain.

Personal life[link]

Reina married longtime girlfriend Yolanda Ruiz in Córdoba on 19 May 2006,^[17] before joining up with the Spanish national squad for the 2006 World Cup. The couple have three children, Grecia (born February 25, 2007), Alma (born July 30, 2008) and Luca (born May 26, 2011). Reina was the former next door neighbour of Chelsea F.C. striker and Spanish international teammate Fernando Torres. His current next door neighbours are fellow team mates Luis Suarez and Maxi Rodriguez.^[18][19]

His father Miguel Reina was in goal for Atlético Madrid in the 1974 European Cup Final which they lost to FC Bayern Munich 4-0 in a replay after the first match finished 1–1.

Although a steely and serious figure as goalkeeper, Reina is known for his exuberant, jester-like character off the pitch, often entertaining his teammates with jokes and songs,^[20][21] and famously acting as a crowd-pleasing master of ceremonies at Spain's official victory celebrations following the 2008 European Championship^[22] and the 2010 World Cup.^[23]

Reina is a very close friend of his Spanish international teammate David Villa.^[24] They can often be seen together spending time or celebrating victories.^[25][26]

Career statistics[link]

As of 16 May 2012

(CS = Clean sheets)

• ¹ - He played two games in the World Club Championship
• ² - He also played in the Community Shield

Honours[link]

Club[link]

Villarreal

Winner

• UEFA Intertoto Cup (2): 2003, 2004

Liverpool

Winner

• FA Cup (1): 2005–06
• Football League Cup (1): 2011–12
• FA Community Shield (1): 2006
• UEFA Super Cup (1): 2005

Runner-Up

• Premier League: 2008–09
• FA Cup: 2011–12
• UEFA Champions League: 2006–07
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2005

International[link]

Spain

Winner

• FIFA World Cup (1): 2010
• UEFA European Championship (1): 2008
• UEFA Under-16 Championship (1): 1999

Individual[link]

• Premier League Golden Glove (3): 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08
• Liverpool Player of the Season (1): 2010^[1]
• Standard Chartered Player of the Month (1): December 2010

References[link]

External links[link]

• Manuel-reina Liverpool FC profile
• José Reina career stats at Soccerbase
• 2010 FIFA World Cup profile
• BDFutbol profile
• National team data (Spanish)
• Manuel-reina/leistungsdaten/spieler_7825.html Transfermarkt profile
• Pepe Reina – FIFA competition record
• Thisisanfield.com player profile
• LFChistory.net player profile
• ESPN Profile
• Premier League profile

Spain squads v t e Spain squad – 1999 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship Winners (5th Title) 1 Aitor 2 Crusat 3 Alegre 4 Arteta 5 Berna 6 Corrales 7 Duque 8 Elías 9 Ernesto 10 Jonathan 11 Mario 12 Nano 13 Parri 14 Perona 15 Reina 16 Relaño 17 Rubén 18 Sancet Coach: Santisteban v t e Spain squad – 2006 FIFA World Cup 1 Casillas 2 Salgado 3 Pernía 4 Marchena 5 Puyol 6 Albelda 7 Raúl (c) 8 Xavi 9 F. Torres 10 Reyes 11 Luis García 12 A. López 13 Iniesta 14 Alonso 15 Ramos 16 Senna 17 Joaquín 18 Fàbregas 19 Cañizares 20 Juanito 21 Villa 22 Ibáñez 23 Reina Coach: Aragonés v t e Spain squad – UEFA Euro 2008 Winners (2nd Title) 1 Casillas (c) 2 Albiol 3 Navarro 4 Marchena 5 Puyol 6 Iniesta 7 Villa 8 Xavi 9 F. Torres 10 Fàbregas 11 Capdevila 12 Cazorla 13 Palop 14 Alonso 15 Ramos 16 García 17 Güiza 18 Arbeloa 19 Senna 20 Juanito 21 Silva 22 De la Red 23 Reina Coach: Aragonés v t e Spain squad – 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Third Place 1 Casillas (c) 2 Albiol 3 Piqué 4 Marchena 5 Puyol 6 Pablo 7 Villa 8 Xavi 9 F. Torres 10 Fàbregas 11 Capdevila 12 Busquets 13 López 14 Alonso 15 Ramos 16 Llorente 17 Güiza 18 Riera 19 Arbeloa 20 Cazorla 21 Silva 22 Mata 23 Reina Coach: Del Bosque v t e Spain squad – 2010 FIFA World Cup Winners (1st Title) 1 Casillas (c) 2 Albiol 3 Piqué 4 Marchena 5 Puyol 6 Iniesta 7 Villa 8 Xavi 9 F. Torres 10 Fàbregas 11 Capdevila 12 Valdés 13 Mata 14 Alonso 15 Ramos 16 Busquets 17 Arbeloa 18 Pedro 19 Llorente 20 Martínez 21 Silva 22 Navas 23 Reina Coach: Del Bosque v t e Spain squad – UEFA Euro 2012 1 Casillas (c) 2 Albiol 3 Piqué 4 Martínez 5 Juanfran 6 Iniesta 7 Pedro 8 Xavi 9 Torres 10 Fàbregas 11 Negredo 12 Valdés 13 Mata 14 Alonso 15 Ramos 16 Busquets 17 Arbeloa 18 Jordi Alba 19 Llorente 20 Cazorla 21 Silva 22 Navas 23 Reina Coach: Del Bosque

Mario Balotelli

Balotelli playing for Inter in 2009.
Personal information
Full name	Mario Barwuah Balotelli[1]
Date of birth	(1990-08-12) 12 August 1990 (age 21)[2]
Place of birth	Palermo, Italy
Height	1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[3]
Playing position	Striker[2]
Club information
Current club	Manchester City
Number	45
Youth career
2001–2005	Lumezzane
2006–2007	Internazionale
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2005–2006	Lumezzane	2	(0)
2007–2010	Internazionale	59	(20)
2010–	Manchester City	40	(19)
National team‡
2008–2010	Italy U21	16	(6)
2010–	Italy	8	(1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 13 May 2012. † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 1 June 2012

Mario Barwuah Balotelli (Italian pronunciation: [ˈmaːrjo baloˈtɛlli]; born 12 August 1990) is an Italian footballer of Ghanaian descent who plays as a striker for Manchester City and the Italian national team.^[4][5] He started his professional football career at Lumezzane and played for the first team twice before having an unsuccessful trial at FC Barcelona,^[6] and subsequently joining Internazionale 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 head coach José Mourinho and was suspended from Inter's first team in January 2009 after a number of disciplinary problems.

His problems deepened in March 2010 when he came under heavy 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 at Manchester City gave Balotelli a fresh chance at a new club. He joined Manchester City in August 2010, where his performances and off-field activities have continued to be controversial and enigmatic. Balotelli earned his first cap for the Italian national team on 10 August 2010, in a friendly match against the Côte d'Ivoire thus making him the first black player to play for the Italian national football team.

Early life[link]

Mario 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 he was born.^[7] As an infant, he 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 he be fostered.^[7] In 1993, the Barwuah family agreed to entrust the three-year-old boy to Francesco and Silvia Balotelli,^[7] with the legal move formalized by the Court of Brescia.^[8] When Mario Balotelli became famous, his biological parents asked for his return. He later accused them of "glory hunting", stating that they only wanted him back because of the prominence he had gained.^[9] According to Law 91 of 5 February 1992,^[10] Balotelli had to wait until his 18th birthday to request Italian citizenship, as the Balotellis had not adopted him, and he officially gained citizenship on 13 August 2008.^[11]

He has three biological siblings, Abigail, Enoch and Angel. ^[12] Enoch Barwuah, two years his junior, had a trial at English Premier League side Stoke City in December 2011.^[13]

Club career[link]

Lumezzane[link]

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.^[14]

Internazionale[link]

Having had an unsuccessful trial with FC Barcelona at the age of 15,^[15] Balotelli was signed by F.C. Internazionale Milano in 2006 on loan with a pre-set price of €150,000 to co-own the player.^[16] In June 2007 Inter excised the option and purchased another half for additional €190,000.^[16] He made his first team and Serie A debut on 16 December 2007 replacing David Suazo in a 2–0 win against Cagliari.^[17] Three days later he featured in the starting lineup in a Coppa Italia match against Reggina, scoring two goals in a 4–1 win.^[18] 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.^[19] His first Serie A goal then came in April 2008 in a 2–0 away win against Atalanta.^[20] Inter went on to win the 2007–08 Serie A.^[21] 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.

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.^[22] 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.^[23] 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.^[24] Inter won Serie A for the fourth time in a row.^[25]

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^[26] 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."^[27] 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.^[28]

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".^[29] 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.^[30][31] 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.^[32] Despite Inter's 1–0 win at Stamford Bridge, London, Balotelli was criticized by several senior players including captain Javier Zanetti^[33] and veteran defender Marco Materazzi as well as his own agent.^[34] 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.^[35]

Zlatan Ibrahimović with Balotelli

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

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.^[37] 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.^[38] 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.^[39]

Manchester City[link]

2010–11[link]

After weeks of speculation Inter reached an agreement for Balotelli's transfer to Manchester City on 12 August 2010, for €22 million. for which Inter made a profit of €21.856 million.^[40][41] At Manchester City Balotelli reunited with his former boss, Roberto Mancini.^[42] 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".^[43]

Balotelli (right) with Alex Song 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.^[44] 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.^[45] Balotelli eventually made his Premier League debut on 24 October as a substitute in a 3–0 home defeat to Arsenal^[46] and made his full debut on 30 October in a 2–1 away defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.^[47] Balotelli scored his first and second Premier League goals on 7 November in a 2–0 away win to West Brom.^[48] 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.^[49] 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.^[50]

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.^[51] On 28 December 2010 Balotelli scored his first Premier League hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Aston Villa.^[52] 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.^[53] 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.^[54]

2011–12[link]

Balotelli scored his first goal of the 2011–12 campaign in a 2–0 Carling Cup win against Birmingham 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 beat Manchester United 6–1 at Old Trafford on 23 October 2011.^[55] Balotelli made his Champions League debut for Man City on 2 November 2011, in the return match against Villarreal. He scored from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time during the match, scoring his first CL goal for them in the process and his seventh goal overall in the season.^[56] On November 27, Balotelli came on as a 65th minute substitute against Liverpool, and was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.^[57] Balotelli scored using his right shoulder in City's 5–1 win over Norwich on 3 December.^[58] 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.^[59]

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. He was already booked but did not get a second yellow from referee Howard Webb who did not see the incident.^[60] Balotelli subsequently scored his first goal of 2012 , a injury-time penalty which secured a 3–2 win for City.^[61] 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.^[60] On 25 February, he scored his 10th league goal of the season in a 3–0 home win against Blackburn Rovers.^[62] He scored again the following game this time in a 2–0 win against Bolton.^[63] On 31 March, Balotelli scored twice as City drew 3–3 at home to Sunderland. However, Balotelli was criticised for his actions in the match, after squabbling with Aleksandar Kolarov over a free kick. Roberto Mancini claimed after the game he had considered substituting Balotelli just five minutes into the match.^[64] On 8 April 2012, Balotelli received his fourth red card, after earning his second yellow card during the match both against Bacary Sagna, during City's 1–0 loss to Arsenal in April 2012, after "a dangerous, chaotic, birdbrain performance".^[65] 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.^[66] 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 that allowed Sergio Aguero to score the 94th-minute winner that won City their first league title since 1968.

International career[link]

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.^[67]

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.^[68] He declined the offer citing once again his willingness to play for Italy when he became eligible.^[69] He also stated his willingness to represent Italy at international level once he acquired an Italian passport.^[70]

Balotelli and Italy manager Cesare Prandelli (centre) meeting Italian President Giorgio Napolitano (right) in November 2011.

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^[71] and Casiraghi called him to join the Italy national under-21 football team "Azzurrini" on 29 August for the matches against Greece and Croatia.^[72] 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.^[73]

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. With the match, he became the first Black player to play with the Italian national team.^[74] 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.^[75] On 11 November 2011, Balotelli scored his first senior international goal in a 2–0 win against Poland at Stadion Miejski in Wroclaw, Poland.^[76]

Style of play[link]

Balotelli is credited with pace, a forceful shot and technical ability, but criticised for a petulant attitude.^[77] He is often nicknamed mario the magician because of his skill with the ball and "Super Mario"^[78][79] and can play anywhere along the front line. Balotelli is also a set-piece specialist^{[citation needed]} and is regarded as a promising but difficult young striker.^{[citation needed]}

Personality and reputation[link]

Balotelli has been given a reputation by the media for being a difficult character and taking part in questionable activities. Manchester City supporters have a chant with lyrics referring to his behaviour^[82], while musician Tinchy Stryder recorded a song in Balotelli's honour.^[83]

Within days of joining Manchester City, Balotelli was involved in a car crash.^[84] It was reported that Balotelli was carrying £5000 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".^[85] Off-field activities involving Balotelli have included driving into a women's prison in Italy^[86] and throwing darts at a youth team player during a training ground 'prank'.^[87] Balotelli has also been subjected to tabloid rumours about him confronting a bully in a school after querying why a young City fan was not at school^[88] and giving £1000 to a homeless man on the streets of Manchester,^[89] allegations which subsequently turned out to be false.^[90][91] Video footage before City's Europa League clash with Dinamo Kiev in March 2011 showed Balotelli requiring assistance to put on a training bib,^[92] an incident which teammate Edin Džeko was seen mimicking the following week in the warm up before City's game at Chelsea.^[93] In September 2011, Balotelli was reportedly seen using his iPad whilst on the substitutes' bench for Italy during their game with the Faroe Islands,^[94] although he denied this on a visit to a prison later that week.^[95] Balotelli has turned the garden of his Manchester home into a racetrack for quadbikes.^[96] 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.^[97] The day before the match a firework was set off in Balotelli's home, and later that week he was unveiled as an ambassador for firework safety.^[98][99] On 5 November 2011, at the annual fireworks display at Edenbridge, Kent, a 12 m tall effigy of Balotelli was burned.^[100]

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 and he could face disciplinary action.^[101] In the same month, it was reported that Balotelli visited his local church where he donated £200 and then visited a pub in Chorlton-cum-Hardy where he bought a £1000 round.^[102] Balotelli's jaunt and donation to church was later confirmed by the church's priest.^[103]

Balotelli made an unexpected appearance at Andrea Stramaccioni's first press conference as Inter Milan coach on March 2012. Balotelli entered the press room, shook Stramaccioni's hand and those of other people at the podium before leaving the press conference amidst some laughter from the crowd.^[104]

After Manchester City won the league on 13th May 2012, Balotelli promised on BBC Radio One to record a song in commemoration of the feat, entitled "Mr Mario and the Sky Blues".

Balotelli considers himself a "genius" and this is why he thinks he is misunderstood.^[105]

International goals[link]

#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1.	11 November 2011	Stadion Miejski, Wrocław, Poland	Poland	0–1	0–2	Friendly
Correct as of 11 November 2011

Career statistics[link]

As of 13 May 2012.^[106]