Former Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli has opened up about his time at the Etihad Stadium, revealing how his turbulent spell in England “shaped him as a person” despite intense scrutiny from the British media. Now 35 and a free agent after leaving Genoa, the Italian striker revisited the highs and lows of his Premier League journey in a candid interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Balotelli joined Manchester City from Inter Milan in 2010 as one of Europe’s most promising young talents. However, his off-field antics and fiery personality quickly made him a tabloid fixture, often overshadowing his brilliance on the pitch. Reflecting on those years, the former City No.45 admitted that his time in Manchester played a major role in shaping his personal growth and independence.
“My experience with Inter was part of my development, but I think England shaped me the most,” Balotelli explained. “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.”
The Italian striker famously hit back at the media in 2011 after scoring against Manchester United in City’s unforgettable 6-1 victory at Old Trafford. His shirt message, “Why Always Me?”, became an instant football cultural icon. “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,” Balotelli said. “The tabloids in England went overboard with me.”
During his City stint, Balotelli made 80 appearances, scoring 30 goals and providing the assist for Sergio Agüero’s famous title-winning strike against Queens Park Rangers in 2012 — a defining moment in Manchester City’s history as they clinched their first Premier League title under Roberto Mancini.
Balotelli also expressed deep admiration for Mancini and Italy’s former national coach Cesare Prandelli, describing them as two managers who truly understood his character. “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 charismatic forward credited former teammates Kolo Touré and Yaya Touré for mentoring him during his early years at City. “They took me under their wing,” he revealed. “They were like older brothers to me.”
Turning to his international career, Balotelli — who netted 14 goals in 36 appearances for Italy — lamented his absence from the national setup and hinted that off-field politics may have played a role in his exclusion. “For me, the national team is a key point… I was proud to represent Italy, and that’s something I miss,” he said. “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.”
Balotelli’s career remains one of the most captivating in modern football — a mix of brilliance, controversy, and charisma. Despite his setbacks, his contributions at Manchester City remain part of club folklore, and his legacy as one of football’s most unpredictable stars continues to fascinate fans worldwide.
FAQ
Q: When did Mario Balotelli play for Manchester City?
A: Balotelli joined Manchester City in 2010 and left in 2013 after helping the club win its first Premier League title in 2012.
Q: How many goals did Balotelli score for Manchester City?
A: He scored 30 goals in 80 appearances for the club.
Q: What was the story behind the “Why Always Me?” shirt?
A: Balotelli unveiled the message after scoring against Manchester United in 2011 to mock the English tabloids for their constant criticism of him.
Q: Who were the managers that Balotelli respected the most?
A: He spoke highly of Roberto Mancini and Cesare Prandelli, crediting both for understanding his personality and managing him effectively.
Q: Is Balotelli still playing football?
A: As of 2025, Balotelli is a free agent after leaving Genoa and is reportedly seeking a new club.
Conclusion
Mario Balotelli’s time at Manchester City remains one of football’s most memorable chapters — defined by talent, emotion, and drama. His reflections reveal a more introspective side to a player once labeled as football’s “bad boy.” While English tabloids sensationalized his every move, Balotelli insists those years helped him mature and understand himself better. As he searches for a new club, fans can only wonder whether football’s most enigmatic figure has one final act left to deliver on the grand stage.
