Former Manchester City star claims “tabloids went overboard” during Etihad Stadium career | OneFootball

Mario Balotelli has explained how his period in Manchester “shaped him as a person”, having been subject to unrelenting media attention.

The now-35 year-old, who has shone on the biggest of stages across Europe throughout his career both on and off the pitch for a multitude of reasons, is currently in search of a new club after departing Genoa.

The former sky blue No.45 signed from Inter Milan back in 2010 as one of the most talented young strikers on the continent, but his reputation as an often-problematic personality off the pitch followed him from the sun of Milan to rainy Manchester, making him a target for the often-malicious English media.

Balotelli hit back at continuous media reporting after scoring in a sensational victory over rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2011, as Mancini’s side cruised to a memorable 1-6 away win, unveiling a message to the English press: “Why Always Me?”

The free agent stated, during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, that his chaos-stricken period at the Etihad – during which he scored 30 goals in 80 appearances and assisted Sergio Agüero’s title winner against QPR in 2012 – had a huge impact on him as a person.

“My experience with Inter was part of my development, but I think England shaped me the most,” he said. “It was the first time I was alone; my family wasn’t there, and I wasn’t used to it.

“It shapes you for better or for worse, because you make mistakes and have to get out of them on your own. Why always me? I had it before the match with a warehouse worker; I was the centre of attention for my problems, and it was a nice outburst. The tabloids in England went overboard with me.”

The Italian talisman also spoke on his relationships with key figures throughout his career, such as former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimović and the manager that brought the Blues their first Premier League title, Roberto Mancini.

He spoke very highly of Mancini, stating that he and Cesare Prandelli understood his exuberant personality best.

“I played a lot with Mancini. I had a really good time with Prandelli in the national team. He took me in the right way, giving me the right amount of freedom both on and off the pitch. Obviously, no one is Diego Maradona, and you have to stick to the rules. I’ve had more time with Mancini, and I know him very well.”

The former City striker also praised fellow former Blues Kolo and Yaya Touré for taking him “under their wing” at the club, whilst giving insight into the way his Italy career – during which he scored 14 goals in 36 caps – turned sour and aspirations of a dream return to the set-up.

“For me, the national team is a key point… I was proud to represent Italy, and that’s something I miss,” he said. The forward also offered a theory as to why he was no longer selected, suggesting off-field politics may have played a part.

“Why didn’t they want me in the national team anymore? I don’t even know the real reason. I can imagine… Is it due to the lack of affinity with Juventus? Maybe so.”

Mario Balotelli has certainly left his mark wherever he has been in his sensation-filled career, but the question remains: will we see the Italian make a dramatic return to the big stage in the twilight years of his career?