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Player of the Week - Mario Balotelli

Player of the Week - Mario Balotelli

Look who's back!

Mario Balotelli has returned to the Premier League only 18 months after going back to Italy to play for AC Milan. Liverpool have signed the striker for around £16 million and he becomes Liverpool's 9th summer signing. The Italian striker is seen as one of European football's brightest talents and has already won 7 major trophies with previous clubs Inter Milan and Manchester City.Balotelli is Liverpool's 9th summer signingLiverpool will hope that Balotelli can settle quickly and create a good partnership with Liverpool's other main striker, Daniel Sturridge. If Balotelli and Sturridge can come close to scoring the 52 Premier League goals that Sturridge and Luis Suarez scored last season, the transfer of the Uruguayan may be forgotten.

What do we know about Balotelli?

Balotelli was born in August 1990 in Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, which is an Italian island south-west of the Italian mainland. He is the son of Ghanaian immigrants. When he was 2 years old, he moved to Brescia in the north of Italy. In Brescia, Balotelli was put into foster care and was brought up by foster parents, Silvia and Francesco Balotelli. He had to wait until his 18th birthday before he could ask for Italian citizenship and officially become Italian.Balotelli in action against SpursWhen Balotelli scored two goals for Italy in the semi-final of the 2012 European Championships he dedicated his goals to Silvia, his foster mother. Balotelli's first major club was Inter Milan and before his 18th birthday he scored in the Italian Cup Final to help Inter beat Roma to win his first major trophy. Balotelli also became the youngest player in Inter's history to score a goal in the Champions League (18 years and 85 days). His first appearance in England also came in an Inter shirt. He scored twice in a friendly against Sheffield FC, the oldest club in world football, as part of their 150th anniversary celebrations in November 2007.

"I am Italian, I feel Italian, I will forever play for the Italy national team." Mario Balotelli speaking after becoming an Italian citizen in 2008.

Where has Balotelli played?

Balotelli was at AC Milan last seasonIn total, Balotelli made 86 appearances for Inter over three seasons, scoring 28 goals. During his time with Inter he won three league titles, an Italian Cup and the Champions League in 2009/10, although he was an unused substitute in the final against Bayern Munich. In August 2010, Balotelli moved to the Premier League for the first time when Manchester City paid Inter Milan around £20 million for him. Roberto Mancini was Manchester City manager at the time and he was also Balotelli's manager at Inter. He made 80 appearances and scored 30 goals for City and won the Premier League and FA Cup double in 2011/12. In the final game of the 2011/12 season, Balotelli provided the assist for Sergio Aguero to score the 94th minute winner that gave City their first league win in over 40 years.

"There's excitement about him coming here. As a coach, I'm really looking forward to working with him." Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool manager

In January 2013, Balotelli moved back to Milan but it wasn't a return to Inter, he moved to city rivals AC Milan for about £20 million. He scored 30 goals in only 54 games for AC Milan, which included 2 goals on his debut and 12 goals in his first 13 appearances for the club.

Why is Balotelli called Super Mario?

Super Mario FansHis nickname was originally given to him by Inter Milan fans when he signed for them in 2007. The name comes from the popular Nintendo video game 'Super Mario' and you can often see Italy fans wearing fancy dress to support their favourite player! He often lives up to expectations by scoring super goals in important games and he is well-known for scoring penalties when under pressure. However, Balotelli has had differences with a number of managers he has played under. He famously fell out with Jose Mourinho when they were at Inter together and he also had problems with Roberto Mancini at Manchester City. Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers will need to keep Balotelli's disciplinary problems under control if he wants to see Super Mario scoring goals on the pitch rather than watching with the fans.

"Mario was good fun. I could write a book of 200 pages about my 2 years at Inter with Mario!" Jose Mourinho, who was Balotelli's manager at Inter Milan.

What has Balotelli achieved with Italy?

He scored against England at Brazil 2014Balotelli had to wait a long time to play for Italy. He wasn't allowed to play for the Italian youth teams because he didn't have an Italian passport. He was given the opportunity to play for Ghana but he said no. After finally being given Italian citizenship he was allowed to play for the Italian under-21 team. He made his debut for the senior Italian side in August 2010 and scored his first goal for Italy against Poland in November 2011. Balotelli has played in 2 major tournaments with the Italian national team. He helped Italy reach the final of the 2012 European Championships and he scored against England at Brazil 2014.

Balatolli became the first black player to represent Italy at a major football championships and often speaks out against racism in football. He is a supporter of many charities including Doctors without Borders and appears as the hero of a children's book for this charity, which has allowed Balotelli to write about racism and discrimination in football.

" I am proud to be black and Italian. I've learned from my family that no one is 'upside down' simply because he speaks, prays or thinks differently."  Mario Balotelli.

Watch a video about Mario Balotelli and his career so far on Liverpool's official website.

Balotelli will be hoping to score a lot of goals for Liverpool this season, Getty.

What did you understand?

 
How much did you understand?
Activity 1: In this activity, try to answer the questions to show how much of the article you understand.

 


 

Put the words together as quick as you can.
Activity 2: Have a go at this game against the clock. Can you put the words in the right order?

 


 

Did you know......?

  • Super Mario is huge on social media. @FinallyMario has over 3 million followers on twitter and over 9 million fans on Facebook!
  • It took Balotelli only 24 minutes to score on his debut for AC Milan.
  • Balotelli has always worn number 45 on his shirt. He says it brings him luck.
  • In November 2011, Balotelli got a red card whan playing for Manchester City at Anfield!
  • Balotelli is friends with hip-hop star Drake. Balotelli was mentioned in one of Drake's songs and Balotelli dedicated a goal to the rap star.
Balotelli in action on his Liverpool debut against Tottenham Hotspur, Getty.

Quiz

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What do you think?

Will Balotelli be a hit?

Will Balotelli be a success at Liverpool?

Do you think he can win another Premier League winners' medal?

Who will score more goals? Balotelli or Daniel Sturridge?

What can we do to stop racism in football?

 

 

Leave a message in the comments section below and tell us what you think :)

 

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Comments

Denis2000's picture
Denis2000
25/08/2023
BY
689
points

I always remember his play for MC and his assist to Aguero in last game to win MC first league win for 40 years


Denis2000's picture
Denis2000
25/08/2023 10:11
Belarus
Tottenham Hotspur
689

I always remember his play for MC and his assist to Aguero in last game to win MC first league win for 40 years

Inge
08/02/2023
GB
81
points

In the test it says that Mario Balotelli didn't play at Manchester City as the fist English team he played. This is totally outrageous. I can't imagine a big league as it is the premier league doing this errors.

I hope premier league changes this soon because I can't live like this.


Inge
08/02/2023 14:54
United Kingdom
Liverpool
81

In the test it says that Mario Balotelli didn't play at Manchester City as the fist English team he played. This is totally outrageous. I can't imagine a big league as it is the premier league doing this errors.

I hope premier league changes this soon because I can't live like this.

Jack Radford's picture
Jack Radford
09/02/2023
GB
22
points

Hi Inge

If you read the article, it talks about Balotelli's first appearance in England when he scored twice against Sheffield FC. During this match, he was playing for Inter.

Also, the content on this website is created as part of Premier Skills which is a collaboration between the Premier League and British Council and is for teachers and learners of English. So there may be some factual errors, but these will all be my mistakes and my Premier Skills colleagues mistakes. If you find any, please do let me know.

Thanks

Jack - The Premier Skills English Team


Jack Radford's picture
Jack Radford
09/02/2023 13:57
United Kingdom
Arsenal
22

Hi Inge

If you read the article, it talks about Balotelli's first appearance in England when he scored twice against Sheffield FC. During this match, he was playing for Inter.

Also, the content on this website is created as part of Premier Skills which is a collaboration between the Premier League and British Council and is for teachers and learners of English. So there may be some factual errors, but these will all be my mistakes and my Premier Skills colleagues mistakes. If you find any, please do let me know.

Thanks

Jack - The Premier Skills English Team

hsn's picture
hsn
29/12/2022
TR
5525
points

Sentence
New regulations will put into effect.
Riddle
A player scored twice and equalized.How? Second was an own goal.


hsn's picture
hsn
29/12/2022 15:09
Turkey
Tottenham Hotspur
5525

Sentence
New regulations will put into effect.
Riddle
A player scored twice and equalized.How? Second was an own goal.

Gabriel Amaral's picture
Gabriel Amaral
07/06/2021
BR
1512
points

Unfortunately, he wasn't. And he showed another bad times when it comes on his behaviour. He was not able to bring Liverpool to the glories when he played for the Reds.
To stop racism: it all start on being anti-racist!


Gabriel Amaral's picture
Gabriel Amaral
07/06/2021 23:49
Brazil
Arsenal
1512

Unfortunately, he wasn't. And he showed another bad times when it comes on his behaviour. He was not able to bring Liverpool to the glories when he played for the Reds.
To stop racism: it all start on being anti-racist!

Alex_from_Ukraine's picture
Alex_from_Ukraine
25/09/2020
UA
6278
points

Balotelli has yet a future, I think. Keep trying, boy!


Alex_from_Ukraine's picture
Alex_from_Ukraine
25/09/2020 16:37
Ukraine
Liverpool
6278

Balotelli has yet a future, I think. Keep trying, boy!

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/06/2020
TR
6510
points

Balotelli is a very talented player but his discipline problems have ended his career early in big clubs at least.


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/06/2020 21:24
Turkey
Manchester United
6510

Balotelli is a very talented player but his discipline problems have ended his career early in big clubs at least.

batric.janjic
26/06/2018
ME
117
points

Balotelli has a strong caracter. And
It’s not simple to andertand him.
But I think he is a good man and he was a good football player.


batric.janjic
26/06/2018 23:39
Montenegro
Chelsea
117

Balotelli has a strong caracter. And
It’s not simple to andertand him.
But I think he is a good man and he was a good football player.

HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
25/03/2016
TR
1761
points

We can raise public awareness against racism in football.


HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
25/03/2016 01:02
Turkey
Leicester City
1761

We can raise public awareness against racism in football.

HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
25/03/2016
TR
1761
points

Of course Balotelli


HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
25/03/2016 01:01
Turkey
Leicester City
1761

Of course Balotelli

HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
25/03/2016
TR
1761
points

He couldn't


HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
25/03/2016 01:01
Turkey
Leicester City
1761

He couldn't

HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
25/03/2016
TR
1761
points

I wasn't sure.


HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
25/03/2016 01:01
Turkey
Leicester City
1761

I wasn't sure.

assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
23/02/2016
PS
3705
points

Sturridge


assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
23/02/2016 16:04
Palestinian Territory
Liverpool
3705

Sturridge

assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
23/02/2016
PS
3705
points

No.


assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
23/02/2016 16:04
Palestinian Territory
Liverpool
3705

No.

MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015
RW
2320
points

I remember his statement"why always me" stopping racism is easy, just see others like you and don't compare them with animals. We're all human


MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015 04:53
Rwanda
Arsenal
2320

I remember his statement"why always me" stopping racism is easy, just see others like you and don't compare them with animals. We're all human

aragorn1986's picture
aragorn1986
28/11/2015
ME
3557
points

I remember time when he played for Inter against Rubin. Mourinho was begging him on the half time to calm down since he was already booked once, and coach didn't have any other option in attack. And what happened? In 46'min he received a straight red card!


aragorn1986's picture
aragorn1986
28/11/2015 20:26
Montenegro
Arsenal
3557

I remember time when he played for Inter against Rubin. Mourinho was begging him on the half time to calm down since he was already booked once, and coach didn't have any other option in attack. And what happened? In 46'min he received a straight red card!

MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015
RW
2320
points

Poor discipline, but today he's more calm


MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015 04:54
Rwanda
Arsenal
2320

Poor discipline, but today he's more calm

nikosonris
13/11/2015
UA
2453
points

He used to be a very promising player, but with poor discipline I doubt that he would be a hit.


nikosonris
13/11/2015 13:32
Ukraine
Arsenal
2453

He used to be a very promising player, but with poor discipline I doubt that he would be a hit.

aragorn1986's picture
aragorn1986
02/11/2015
ME
3557
points

I think he'll never be a complete player. He's a troublemaker.


aragorn1986's picture
aragorn1986
02/11/2015 19:29
Montenegro
Arsenal
3557

I think he'll never be a complete player. He's a troublemaker.

MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015
RW
2320
points

Hmmmm, he can be a good player, he lacks management


MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015 04:57
Rwanda
Arsenal
2320

Hmmmm, he can be a good player, he lacks management

almirpereira's picture
almirpereira
26/10/2015
BR
1326
points

vERY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1


almirpereira's picture
almirpereira
26/10/2015 16:58
Brazil
Chelsea
1326

vERY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015
RW
2320
points

More helpful to know player's history


MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015 04:55
Rwanda
Arsenal
2320

More helpful to know player's history

EngFilipe's picture
EngFilipe
28/10/2014
BR
0
points

Balotelli needs more confidence and calmness to play, he is a good striker.but no one of the best in the world. Sturridge is better than him, and will score more.


EngFilipe's picture
EngFilipe
28/10/2014 18:46
Brazil
Liverpool
0

Balotelli needs more confidence and calmness to play, he is a good striker.but no one of the best in the world. Sturridge is better than him, and will score more.

Leaderboard

Top Scorers
RankNameScore
1mobeckham6510
2Alex_from_Ukraine6278
3hsn5525
4wsanta5086
5kwesimanifest4768
6Liubomyr4408
7elghoul3988
8assemjuve3705
9aragorn19863557
10Gergő Nagy3396
Country ranking
RankNameScore
1Colombia71478
2Ukraine33300
3Spain28277
4Serbia27289
5Brazil23896
6Albania20578
7Vietnam19939
8Turkey19810
9Macedonia19074
10Bosnia and Herzegovina16333
Club ranking
RankNameScore
1Manchester United141846
2Liverpool110282
3Chelsea88559
4Arsenal85669
5Manchester City56951
6Tottenham Hotspur19169
7Newcastle United10457
8West Ham United7454
9AFC Bournemouth4454
10Crystal Palace4240

Level

4
Average: 4 (1 vote)

Goals

In this article, you will:

Practise reading.

Learn all about Liverpool's Italian star, Mario Balotelli, and learn some new vocabulary.

Tips

Checking Vocabulary

How do you check the meaning of a word that you don't understand? In the text about Mario Balotelli, some of the difficult words are in blue and you can click on them to find the pronunciation, meaning and an example sentence. But what if the word you don't know is not in blue?

I use Google Chrome and have added the Google Dictionary extension to my toolbar. I can click on any word in any text and get the meaning, pronunciation and an example sentence using that word.

Remember!

Many words have more than one meaning, so look at the sentence a second time to check you are looking at the correct definition.

Rich - The Premier Skills English Team.

Extension

Find out about how discrimination in football is being tackled in the UK on the Kick it Out website.

There are also classroom resources that can be downloaded from the Show Racism the Red Card website.