Mario Balotelli’s Last (umpteenth) Call
Thumbnail Picture: Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images
"Why Always Me?"
After scoring the first of the six goals that erased Manchester United in one of the most unforgettable Manchester's derbies (at least, for the Citizens' fans,) Italian striker Mario Balotelli, then 21 years old, raised his official jersey to showcase what would later become an iconic t-shirt.
The provocative question was directed at the English press, guilty, according to Balotelli, to focus excessively on his antics outside the pitch, leaving little space to his on-field performances.
Why always me? Let me play and score.
That day represented the apex of Balotelli's career, equaled by the semi-final match at Euro 2012 against Germany, and his evocative exultance after scoring the second, victorious goal.
Bare-chested, as still as a statue.
Picture: Gabril Bouys / AFP / Getty Images
Looking at Balotelli's career now, ten years later, some might say that those antics some journalists seemed so concerned about have been the cause for the swift decline of his career.
After the exploit with the Italian national team, Balotelli wandered around various clubs all over Europe, never finding that continuity and constancy necessary, even to one of the most talented players on Earth, to be successful.
After wearing the jerseys of prestigious clubs such as Manchester City, Inter, and Liverpool, Balotelli was gradually relegated to second-rate teams.
Brescia, Monza, and now Adana Demirspor, in Turkey.
For many times, "SuperMario" seemed to have failed that last call to be part of the soccer "that matters."
However, not everything might be lost for him.
Italy’s national team coach Roberto Mancini has included Balotelli in a list of 35 players called for a special training camp in preparation for the World Cup qualifying playoffs that will take place in March against North Macedonia and then, potentially, Turkey or Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.
The news has made many Italian supporters turn their nose up, especially if we consider that Giorgio Chiellini, Italy's captain, has defined, in his autobiography, Balotelli as "one of those players that really I can't stand.”
"A negative player, with no respect for the team.”
Balotelli's last appearance with Italy is dated September 2018, against Poland. It was Italy's first match under Mancini’s guide, in the first-ever edition of the UEFA Nations League.
Picture: Getty Images
It is curious to note that Mancini was sitting on Manchester City’s bench when Balotelli showcased the "Why Always Me?" t-shirt.
The chemistry between the two of them was one of the key elements that led the Citizens to eventually triumph in the Premier League.
The thrilling head-to-head at the top of the league between Manchester City and Manchester United was resolved in favor of the Citizens only in the extra time of the last match of the season, with the decisive goal scored by Argentine striker Sergio Aguero, assisted by Balotelli.
It is now clear that if there is still one person who might dare to concede SuperMario a last, umpteenth chance, it can be nobody but Mancini himself.