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.
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]
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]
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]
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[36]
|
” |
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]
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]
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.
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]
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]
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]
"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."
"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[81]
"I've finished my words for him. I've finished. He is not a bad guy and a fantastic player but I'm very sorry for him as he continues to lose his talent and his quality. I don't have any words for his behaviour. I hope for him he can understand he is in a bad way for his future and I really hope that he can change his behaviour in the future. But I'm finished."
Mancini in April 2012 following Balotelli's dismissal against Arsenal[66]
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]
- As of 13 May 2012.[106]
| Club |
Season |
League |
Cup1 |
Europe |
Other2 |
Total |
| Apps |
Goals |
Apps |
Goals |
Apps |
Goals |
Apps |
Goals |
Apps |
Goals |
| Lumezzane |
2005–06 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
| Total |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
| Internazionale |
2007–08 |
11 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
7 |
| 2008–09 |
22 |
8 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
31 |
10 |
| 2009–10 |
26 |
9 |
5 |
1 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
40 |
11 |
| Total |
59 |
20 |
11 |
5 |
14 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
86 |
28 |
| Manchester City |
2010–11 |
17 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
28 |
10 |
| 2011–12 |
23 |
13 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
32 |
17 |
| Total |
40 |
19 |
7 |
2 |
12 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
60 |
27 |
| Career Total |
101 |
39 |
18 |
7 |
26 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
148 |
55 |
- 1 Includes Football League Cup
- 2 Includes Supercoppa Italiana, UEFA Super Cup and FA Community Shield
- Internazionale
- Manchester City
- ^ "Mario Balotelli". Goal.com. http://www.goal.com/en/people/italy/16127/mario-barwuah-balotelli. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
- ^ a b "Mario Balotelli Profile". Inter. http://www.inter.it/aas/squadra/player1?codgioc=G0823&L=en&stagione=2008/09. Retrieved 3 July 2010.
- ^ "Manchester City FC Profile". Manchester City F.C. http://www.mcfc.co.uk/Players/Strikers/Mario-Balotelli. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
- ^ "Balotelli saluta l'Italia "Ho bisogno di giocare"" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. 13 August 2010. http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Inter/13-08-2010/balotelli-saluta-italia-71775734390.shtml. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
- ^ "Balotelli signs for City". Manchester City F.C.. 13 August 2010. http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2010/August/Mario-Balotelli-signs-for-Manchester-City. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
- ^ "Balotelli, maravillado con Thiago desde su paso por el Barça" (in Spanish). Sport (newspaper). 11 August 2011. http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/20110811/balotelli-maravillado-con-thiago-desde-paso-por-barca/1113961.shtml. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
- ^ a b c Williamson, Laura; Pisa, Nick (5 August 2010). "Mario Balotelli's double life: The bitter family feud that haunts the £29m Manchester City target". Daily Mail (London). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1300427/Mario-Balotellis-double-life-The-bitter-family-feud-haunts-29m-Manchester-City-target.html. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
- ^ "Balotelli, il figlio campione che si è dimenticato di noi" (in Italian). Corriere della Sera. 12 October 2008. http://www.corriere.it/sport/08_ottobre_12/balotelli_genitori_naturali_93bd1854-980c-11dd-af17-00144f02aabc.shtml. Retrieved 18 October 2008.
- ^ Davies, Christopher (11 June 2008). "Inter's Balotelli accuses biological parents". Daily Mail (London). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1083620/Inter-star-Balotelli-accuses-parents-glory-hunting.html. Retrieved 18 May 2009.
- ^ "Italian citizenship". Comune di Torino. 6 March 2006. http://www.comune.torino.it/en/papers/italian-citizenship.shtml. Retrieved 6 March 2006.
- ^ "Inter's Balotelli gets Italian citizenship". Italy Magazine. 15 August 2008. http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy/brescia/inters-balotelli-gets-italian-citizenship. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
- ^ Williamson, Laura (5 August 2010). "Mario Balotelli's double life: The bitter family feud that haunts the £29m Manchester City target". Daily Mail (London). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1300427/Mario-Balotellis-double-life-The-bitter-family-feud-haunts-29m-Manchester-City-target.html. Retrieved 8 December 2011.
- ^ "Stoke City: Balotelli junior finds it tough at Burton". The Sentinel. 8 December 2011. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Balotelli-junior-finds-tough-Burton/story-14080698-detail/story.html. Retrieved 8 December 2011.
- ^ "Mario Story". Mario Balotelli Official Website. http://www.mariobalotelli.it/en/mario-story/. Retrieved 7 November 2010.
- ^ Williamson, Laura; Pisa, Nick (5 August 2010). "Mario Balotelli's double life: The bitter family feud that haunts the £29m Manchester City target". Daily Mail (London). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1300427/Mario-Balotellis-double-life-The-bitter-family-feud-haunts-29m-Manchester-City-target.html. Retrieved 5 August 2010.
- ^ a b FC Internazionale Milano 2006–07 bilancio, require purchase in CCIAA (Italian)
- ^ "Cagliari 0–2 Inter Milan". ESPNSoccernet. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/224320?cc=4716. Retrieved 30 December 2010.
- ^ "Balotelli Biography". Football Database. http://www.footballdatabase.com/index.php?page=player&Id=762&pn=Mario_Balotelli_Barwuah. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
- ^ "A star is born in Milan:Mario Balotelli". Soccer Lens. 31 January 2008. http://soccerlens.com/internazionale-beat-juventus-3-2-and-a-star-is-born-in-milan-mario-balotelli/5501/. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
- ^ "Inter Milan 2–0 Atalanta". Italian Soccer Serie A. 6 April 2008. http://italiansoccerseriea.com/2008/04/06/results-italian-serie-a-week-32---atalanta--fc-inter.aspx. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
- ^ "Parma 0–2 Inter Milan". Soccernet (ESPN). 18 May 2008. http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/report?id=224402&&cc=5739. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
- ^ Chinellato, Davide (4 November 2008). "Cruz toglie l'Inter dai guai 3–3 con l'Anorthosis" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Squadre/Inter/Primo_Piano/2008/11/04/champions.shtml. Retrieved 30 December 2010.
- ^ Meadows, Mark (20 April 2009). "Inter president chides Juve fans for racist chants". Reuters. http://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUKTRE53J1ED20090420. Retrieved 20 April 2009.
- ^ "Juve punished over racial abuse". BBC Sport. 20 April 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8008928.stm. Retrieved 15 May 2009.
- ^ "Mourinho wins Serie A with Inter". BBC Sport. 16 May 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8053989.stm. Retrieved 18 May 2009.
- ^ "Mario Balotelli: 10 fascinating facts". GiveMeFootball.com. http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/mario-balotelli-10-fascinating-facts. Retrieved 25 March 2011. [dead link]
- ^ "Mourinho gets tough with Balotelli". FIFA. 12 January 2009. http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=991318.html. Retrieved 18 May 2009.
- ^ "Juve fans continue to bait Balotelli". AFP. 17 January 2010. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hr_4WepjB0LJ2CSVolKlXluAYXdA. Retrieved 25 January 2010.
- ^ "Jose Mourinho savages 'awful' Inter players". The Guardian (UK). 9 November 2009. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/nov/09/jose-mourinho-internazionale-roma. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ "Juventus 2–1 Internazionale: Marchisio magic seals Juve win over Inter". Soccernet (ESPN). 6 December 2009. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=708749&cc=5739.
- ^ "La meglio gioventù" (in Italian). La Stampa (Italy). 7 December 2009. http://www.lastampa.com/sport/cmsSezioni/quijuve/200912articoli/24082girata.asp.
- ^ Fifield, Dominic (15 March 2010). "I should still be manager at Chelsea, says José Mourinho". The Guardian (UK). http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/mar/15/jose-mourinho-chelsea-internazionale. Retrieved 19 March 2010.
- ^ "Inter Milan captain Zanetti urges Balotelli to get head down and work". TribalFootball.com. 16 March 2010. http://www.tribalfootball.com/inter-milan-captain-zanetti-urges-balotelli-get-head-down-and-work-706461. Retrieved 19 March 2010.
- ^ "Materazzi questions Balotelli attitude". Soccernet (ESPN). 17 March 2010. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=757198&sec=europe&cc=5739. Retrieved 19 March 2010.
- ^ "Tapiro a Balotelli Mario indossa la maglia del Milan" (in Italian). La Stampa (Italy). 22 March 2010. http://www.lastampa.it/multimedia/multimedia.asp?IDmsezione=11&IDalbum=25133&tipo=FOTOGALLERY.
- ^ "Mario Balotelli statement". Internazionale. 1 April 2010. http://inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=33591&L=en. Retrieved 1 April 2010.
- ^ "Mourinho name squad for Inter vs Bologna". Internazionale. 2 April 2010. http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=33595&L=en. Retrieved 2 April 2010.
- ^ "Inter round on Balotelli". Sky Sports. 21 April 2010. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11860_6106580,00.html. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
- ^ "Booed Balotelli throws jersey And fans try to attack him". La Gazzetta dello Sport. 20 April 2010. http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/20-04-2010/booed-balotelli-throws-jerseyand-fans-try-to-attack-him-603718258988.shtml. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
- ^ (in Italian) FC Internazionale Milano Spa 2010–11 Bilancio [Report and Accounts]. Registro Imprese & C.C.I.A.A.. October 2011.
- ^ "Inter, una tripletta in rosso". ju29ro.com. 31 December 2010. http://www.ju29ro.com/contro-informazione/2714-inter-una-tripletta-in-rosso.html. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
- ^ "Man City complete Balotelli deal". BBC Sport. 13 August 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8910570.stm.
- ^ "Mario Balotelli finally clinches £23m move to Manchester City as Roberto Mancini is reunited with ex-Inter Milan protege". Daily Mail (London). 13 August 2010. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302873/Manchester-City-sign-Mario-Balotelli-Inter-Milan.html. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
- ^ "FC Timişoara 0–1 Man City". BBC Sport. 19 August 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8924265.stm. Retrieved 19 August 2010.
- ^ "Mario Balotelli moves closer to Man City return". BBC Sport. 28 September 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9041778.stm. Retrieved 29 September 2010.
- ^ "Balotelli does not have a release clause and will not leave City, says agent". BBC Sport. 29 October 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9041778.stm. Retrieved 7 November 2010.
- ^ "Mario Balotelli pleads for time at Manchester City after admitting physical struggles". Daily Telegraph (London). 3 November 2010. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8108020/Mario-Balotelli-pleads-for-time-at-Manchester-City-after-admitting-physical-struggles.html. Retrieved 7 November 2010.
- ^ "West Brom 0–2 Man City". BBC Sport. 7 November 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9150046.stm. Retrieved 7 November 2010.
- ^ "Man City will appeal against Mario Balotelli's red card". BBC Sport. 7 November 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9165018.stm. Retrieved 7 November 2010.
- ^ Chowdhury, Saj (1 December 2010). "Man City 3–0 Red Bull Salzburg". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9243656.stm. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
- ^ Katy Murrels (22 December 2010). "Balotelli wins award". The Guardian (UK). http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/dec/21/mario-balotelli-wilshere-fabregas-rooney. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
- ^ Fletcher, Paul (28 December 2010). "Man City 4–0 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9317212.stm. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
- ^ Chowdhury, Saj (17 March 2011). "Man City 1 - 0 Dynamo Kiev (agg 1 - 2)". British Broadcasting Company (BBC Sport). http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9424214.stm. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
- ^ Tongue, Steve (16 May 2011). "Touré brings City's long wait to an end". The Independent (London). http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/tour233-brings-citys-long-wait-to-an-end-2284317.html. Retrieved 16 May 2011.
- ^ "Man Utd 1 - 6 Man City". British Broadcasting Company (BBC Sport). 23 October 2011. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15325536.stm.
- ^ "Villarreal 0 - 3 Man City". British Broadcasting Company (BBC Sport). 2 November 2011. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15457098.stm.
- ^ Martin Samuel (27 November 2011). "Liverpool 1 Manchester City 1: Joleon Lescott own goal denies City victory | Mail Online". London: Dailymail.co.uk. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2066809/Liverpool-1-Manchester-City-1-Joleon-Lescott-goal-denies-City-victory.html. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
- ^ Daniel Taylor at the Etihad Stadium (5 December 2011). "Rampant Manchester City are 'frightening' says Norwich's Paul Lambert | Football". London: The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/05/manchester-city-norwich-record-start. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
- ^ Lyon, Sam (2011-12-12). "BBC Sport - Football - Chelsea v Man City as it happened". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9660507.stm. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
- ^ a b "Mario Balotelli charged with violent conduct by FA". BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16693521.stm. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
- ^ McNulty, Phil (22 January 2012). "Man City 3 - 2 Tottenham". BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/16565416.stm. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
- ^ "Man City 3-0 Blackburn" BBC Sport. 25 February 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
- ^ "Man City 2-0 Bolton" BBC Sport. 3 March 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
- ^ "Mancini nearly took Balotelli off after five minutes". uk.eurosport.yahoo.com. 31 March 2012. http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/31032012/2/mancini-nearly-took-balotelli-five-minutes.html. Retrieved 31 March 2012.
- ^ Daniel Taylor (8 April 2012). "Manchester City's title hopes sunk by Mikel Arteta's late Arsenal goal". guardian.co.uk. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/apr/08/arsenal-manchester-city-premier-league. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
- ^ a b Dominic Fifield (8 April 2012). "Mario Balotelli may have played last Manchester City game – Mancini". guardian.co.uk. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/apr/08/mario-balotelli-manchester-city-mancini. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
- ^ "Un prodigio ma non è azzurro" (in Italian). Avvenimenti. 8 December 2006. http://www.avvenimentionline.it/content/view/519/139/. Retrieved 8 December 2006.
- ^ "Le Roy names 20 for friendly". Ghana Football Association. 7 August 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-08-21. http://web.archive.org/web/20070821222923/http://www.ghanafa.org/news/read.asp?contentid=2129. Retrieved 22 August 2007.
- ^ "Stars to tame the lions today". The Statesman (India). 21 August 2007. http://www.thestatesmanonline.com/pages/news_detail.php?newsid=4516§ion=3. Retrieved 22 August 2007.
- ^ "ESCLUSIVA TMW – Inter, il baby fenomeno Balotelli si racconta" (in Italian). TuttoMercatoWeb. 1 June 2007. http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/?action=read&id=61151. Retrieved 19 July 2007.
- ^ "Casiraghi: "Occhio a Messi noi partiamo da Nocerino"" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. 16 May 2008. http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/Primo_Piano/2008/05_Maggio/16/casiraghi.shtml. Retrieved 17 May 2008.
- ^ "Casiraghi convoca Balotelli" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. 29 August 2008. http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/Primo_Piano/2008/08/29/under.shtml. Retrieved 29 August 2008.
- ^ Peter Staunton (19 June 2009). "Ten-Man Italy Defeat Sweden After Balotelli Sent Off". Goal.com. http://goal.com/en/news/2378/euro-u-21-2009/2009/06/19/1334898/ten-man-italy-defeat-sweden-after-balotelli-sent-off. Retrieved 19 June 2009.
- ^ "Italy turn to Balotelli, Cassano". FIFA.com. 6 August 2010. http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1282049.html. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
- ^ "Italy 0–1 Ivory Coast". ESPNsoccernet. 10 August 2010. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=296245&cc=5739&league=FIFA.FRIENDLY. Retrieved 19 August 2010.
- ^ "Poland 0 - 2 Italy". uefa.com. 11 November 2011. http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/news/newsid=1715393.html. Retrieved 11 November 2011.
- ^ Anderson, Michael (20 December 2010). "Mario Balotelli’s award inflates his ego". bettor.com. http://blogs.bettor.com/Mario-Balotellis-award-inflates-his-ego-a49099. Retrieved 24 February 2011.
- ^ Super Mario Balotelli can win title for Manchester City Daily Mail, 29 July 2010
- ^ Super Mario Balotelli's cartoon capers worth hassle for Manchester City, Daily Telegraph, 27 July 2010
- ^ "Balotelli as good as Messi and Ronaldo - Mancini". ESPN. 24 October 2011. http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/117618.html. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
- ^ "Roberto Mancini jokes about 'punching' Mario Balotelli". BBC Sport. 6 April 2012. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17635083. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
- ^ Hattenstone, Simon (24 October 2011). "Mario Balotelli's quirky lifestyle honoured with a chant of its own". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/oct/24/manchester-city-fans-mario-balotelli. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
- ^ "Hear Tinchy Stryder's tribute song to Manchester City's Mario Balotelli - audio". nme.com. 29 December 2011. http://www.nme.com/news/tinchy-stryder/61169. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
- ^ "Mario Balotelli escapes unhurt following car crash". Manchester Evening News. 29 August 2010. http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1315415_mario_balotelli_escapes_unhurt_following_car_crash. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
- ^ "Revaled: Why Mario Balotelli had £5,000 in his back pocket when he crashed his car". Daily Mirror. 5 September 2010. http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/the-mole/The-Mole-column-Revealed-why-Manchester-City-signing-Mario-Balotelli-had-5-000-in-his-back-pocket-when-he-crashed-his-car-article571765.html. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
- ^ "Mario Balotelli: the life and times of Manchester City’s Italian bad boy". The Telegraph (London). 25 July 2011. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8661017/Mario-Balotelli-the-life-and-times-of-Manchester-Citys-Italian-bad-boy.html. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
- ^ Sinnott, John (28 March 2011). "Mario Balotelli involved in dart incident". BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9439114.stm. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
- ^ "Mario Balotelli helps City fan being bullied at school". The Sun (London). 10 May 2011. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/3571579/Mario-Balotelli-helps-City-fan-being-bullied-at-school.html. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
- ^ Smart, Gordon (20 April 2011). "Mario Balotelli wins £25,000... then gives £1000 to a tramp". The Sun (London). http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3536493/Mario-Balotelli-wins-25000-then-gives-1000-to-a-tramp.html. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
- ^ It's Always Something With Balotelli - Wall Street Journal, 23 Oct 2011
- ^ Mario's made-up Santa spree - Yahoo Eurosport, 19 Dec 2011
- ^ "Mario Balotelli struggles to dress himself | The Sun |Sport|Football". London: The Sun. 2011-03-18. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3477054/Mario-Balotelli-struggles-to-dress-himself.html. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
- ^ Thornhill, Ted. "Edin Dzeko ridicules Mario Balotelli's bib struggle". Metro.co.uk. http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/858866-video-edin-dzeko-ridicules-mario-balotellis-bib-struggle. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
- ^ Pangallo, Mark. "Mario Balotelli busted fiddling with iPad while on Italy substitutes' bench". Metro.co.uk. http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/874501-mario-balotelli-busted-fiddling-with-ipad-while-on-italy-substitutes-bench. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
- ^ Pangallo, Mark (2011-09-07). "Mario Balotelli goes to prison, gets mobbed then discusses iPad gaffe". Metro.co.uk. http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/874724-mario-balotelli-goes-to-prison-gets-mobbed-then-discusses-ipad-gaffe. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
- ^ "Mario Balotelli builds a racetrack in his garden | Mail Online". London: Dailymail.co.uk. 2011-10-31. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2055572/Mario-Balotelli-builds-racetrack-garden.html. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
- ^ "Why always me?". Sky Sports. 25 October 2011. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11979_7263130,00.html. Retrieved 2011-10-29.
- ^ Nakrani, Sachin (24 October 2011). "Mario Balotelli becomes Manchester's ambassador for fireworks safety". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/24/mario-balotelli-face-of-fireworks-safety.
- ^ Robins, Paul (2011-10-25). "Simply The Best 7 Days A Week :: News :: Mario Balotelli’s firework plea". Daily Star. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/217422/Mario-Balotelli-s-firework-plea/. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
- ^ "Lewes bonfire celebrations attracting up to 60,000". BBC News. 5 November 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-15606325.
- ^ "Mario Balotelli in hot water at Manchester City after curry | Football News". ESPN.co.uk. 2011-12-12. http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/125905.html. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
- ^ Littlejohn, Georgina (28 December 2011). "Manchester City's Mario Balotelli donates £200 to his local church... before getting a £1,000 round in down the pub". Daily Mail (London). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2079151/Manchester-Citys-Mario-Balotelli-donates-200-local-church--getting-1-000-round-pub.html. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
- ^ Robson, Steve (28 December 2011). "Bless you Balotelli: Manchester City's Mario in ‘£200 gift’ to Chorlton church's Christmas Midnight Mass". Manchester Evening News. http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1469100_bless-you-balotelli-manchester-citys-mario-in-200-gift-to-chorlton-churchs-christmas-midnight-mass. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
- ^ "Mario Balotelli bursts into Inter Milan press conference". inside World Soccer. 28 March 2012. http://www.insideworldsoccer.com/2012/03/surprise-surprise-mario-balotelli.html.
- ^ "Balotelli: I'm a misunderstood genius". ESPN Soccernet. 30 May 2012. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1081948/man-city%27s-mario-balotelli:-it%27s-hard-being-a-misunderstood-genius?cc=5901. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
- ^ "Mario Barwuah Balotelli". Soccerway. http://uk.soccerway.com/players/mario-balotelli/22357/. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
| Persondata |
| Name |
Balotelli, Mario Barwuah |
| Alternative names |
|
| Short description |
Footballer |
| Date of birth |
12 August 1990 |
| Place of birth |
Palermo, Italy |
| Date of death |
|
| Place of death |
|
![SAMIR HANDANOVIC | Inter | 2012/2013 [HD]](http://web.archive.org./web/20131003090118im_/http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Bq5BM_q9WXg/default.jpg "SAMIR HANDANOVIC | Inter | 2012/2013 [HD]")
![S.Handanovic Own Goal (21') Inter Milan v Lazio (1-3) Serie A Highlights Official HD [08/05/13]](http://web.archive.org./web/20131003090118im_/http://i.ytimg.com/vi/p-ogYgVcNOs/default.jpg "S.Handanovic Own Goal (21') Inter Milan v Lazio (1-3) Serie A Highlights Official HD [08/05/13]")
![Slovenia vs USA [2-2] Bradley Equaliser](http://web.archive.org./web/20131003090118im_/http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Hm6m13Ma6Ys/default.jpg "Slovenia vs USA [2-2] Bradley Equaliser")
_-_cropped.jpg)
.jpg)
![[1]](http://web.archive.org./web/20131003090118/http://www.google.fi/imgres?imgurl=http://www.inthenews.co.uk/photo/a-large-portion-of-slovenian-hopes-rest-in-the-hands-of-samir-handanovic-%247062964%24300.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.inthenews.co.uk/profiles/sport/football/world-cup-2010/slovenia-%2421379411.htm&usg=__9lLGgKA5vWv0b-YmrYXAREJ4VYY=&h=300&w=300&sz=75&hl=fi&start=56&zoom=1&itbs=1&tbnid=ogX5OcfT1VZIuM:&tbnh=116&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Drobert%2Bkoren%26start%3D54%26hl%3Dfi%26sa%3DN%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D18%26tbs%3Disch:1,isz:ex,iszw:300,iszh:300){kind=link}
