In an interview with France Football, Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli spoke with the French magazine about his role in the Azurri’s attack as well as the views others have of him.
When asked whether he thinks he is a “genius or a rebel,” Balotelli answered, “Yes, I think I am a genius, but not a rebel. I have my life, my world, I act how I want without stepping on anyone’s toes.”
Upon being asked to clarify his answer, the Italian international responded, “I think I’m smarter than the average person, but I swear I’m not interested in showing it off.” ‘Super Mario’ also expressed gratitude towards having managers like Roberto Mancini at City and Cesare Prandelli for the national team.
“He [Mancini] really knows me, it’s more than a coach-player rapport, there is a friendship between us. When he played he was a bit like me. I’m sent off for some fouls, but so have others.”
Balotelli also considers the upcoming European Championship to be “the most important moment of my career up to this point.” He also added that the tournament would not be his last, but “the first of many.”
On a personal level, he promises to play some “great matches” and that if Italy “must be eliminated, I will leave with my head held high.” His dream is to “become the strongest player and my goal is the Ballon d’Or. But I still have to work so hard,” he adds.
The striker lists legendary Brazilian forward Ronaldo to be his reference point. “For me he is a god, to meet him is a dream that hasn’t been realized. Absolutely he is my idol. If the day comes that I meet him, I’ll have goosebumps.”
Speaking about personal problems, and the inevitable accounts of racism, including an ugly episode in 2009 against Roma when some individuals threw bananas at him from the stands.
“These two or three guys were lucky that the police quickly arrived because, I swear I would have beat them up. Really, I would have destroyed them. I hope it never happens again. If someone throws a banana in my direction, I’ll end up in prison because I’ll kill them.”
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