If hate is the new love, Mario Balotelli sits comfortably in the hearts of every spectator.
He’s more remembered for his behavior on/off the pitch, rather than his “only when-I-want to play” world-class performances. Basically, controversy is familiar to him as the 30,000 pounds of parking tickets he’s racked in his Maserati. He has more lip than Angelina Jolie to anyone in his vicinity, and the only Golden Boot award he deserves are the karate kicks he pummels into his opponents. When he’s not busy throwing darts at his own teammates, he’s busy breaking up with super-model diva’s via text message on live television. Simply put, he makes Dennis Rodman look like Dennis the Menace without his slingshot.
76 games, 28 goals, and 13 assists in all competition for Inter is how he should’ve been remembered. 20 yellow cards, 2 reds, flashing city-rival Milan’s shirt on television that made Janet Jackson’s nip-slip at the Superbowl look like a Disney movie, is how he IS remembered. Off he’s shipped to Manchester City for a eye-raising 24 million pounds, Mancini’s gamble has yet to be proven, as much as the goal scoring capability of Fernando Torres.
20 games and 10 goals is how he SHOULD be remembered for his first season in Blue. However, 9 yellow cards, 2 red cards, back-heels in pre-season, and publicly expressing his dislike about Manchester is how he IS remembered. It’s hard to believe that Mario is winner of Serie A, Coppa Italia, Champions League, 2010 Golden Boy, and most recently, the FA Cup. When he’s not suffering from amnesia and forgetting about Jack Wilshere, you’re most likely to find him at your nearest pub throwing darts at Manchester citizens….or the parking enforcement.
With City in pole position after displaying their attacking ambitions against Bolton on Sunday, it will be interesting to see where Balotelli will fit into Mancini’s equation. With new signing Aguero from Atletico’ Madrid fitting in comfortably, Mario’s behavior and attitude will prove crucial to his playing time. Obviously the talent is apparent, to lovers and haters alike, but it is apparent as his inability to control his attitude on/off the pitch. So grab yourself a bow, an arrow, and aim as high as you can into the sky. The season has just begun, and it just may be easier to predict where the arrow may fall.
Artwork credit : John Qudoe Lee of Common People
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I love how you nailed his character. It’s not always about skill in a sport, but rather the sportsmanship. Great read
Ps the artwork is different and I like!!!
it’s so frustrating watching the career path of Mario.. he has so much talent but has some major issues in that head of his..
I just had to throw this in here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYU-SeVofHs
The kid needs a wake up call
Mario Balotelli is garbage. That monkey tries too many crazy things.
Totally agree with this post ese
ay cabron i like your writings. coreano knows what hes talking about
mario is my favorite player but sadly this is true
MAN CITY THIS IS OUR YEAR!!!
Mario Balotelli jus became my second favorite player
Great article and the artwork as well!
It really makes me sad that his antics overshadow his skill. He said he wants to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo but the only surpassing he’s done is in the arrogance department. He needs to “speak less and play more”
hey how about you do some ‘less speaking’ He will surpass cristiano ronaldo one day
One day huh? I’d love to see him be the highest paid footballer in the world. Who can nail a trick shot in a friendly and not get subbed off. Who can put on a damn training kit without looking like an incapable idiot. When that day comes, I will gladly shut my mouth but for now, I can rant as I please and YOU can shut your mouth. Good day!