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.Liverpool 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.When 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?
In 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?
His 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?
Balotelli 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.
What did you understand?
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.
Quiz
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What do you think?
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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Comentários
25/08/2023
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
25/08/2023 10:11
Tottenham Hotspur
714
I always remember his play for MC and his assist to Aguero in last game to win MC first league win for 40 years
08/02/2023
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.
08/02/2023 14:54
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.
09/02/2023
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
09/02/2023 13:57
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
29/12/2022
points
Sentence
New regulations will put into effect.
Riddle
A player scored twice and equalized.How? Second was an own goal.
29/12/2022 15:09
Tottenham Hotspur
5560
Sentence
New regulations will put into effect.
Riddle
A player scored twice and equalized.How? Second was an own goal.
07/06/2021
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!
07/06/2021 23:49
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!
25/09/2020
points
Balotelli has yet a future, I think. Keep trying, boy!
25/09/2020 16:37
Liverpool
6578
Balotelli has yet a future, I think. Keep trying, boy!
20/06/2020
points
Balotelli is a very talented player but his discipline problems have ended his career early in big clubs at least.
20/06/2020 21:24
Manchester United
6539
Balotelli is a very talented player but his discipline problems have ended his career early in big clubs at least.
26/06/2018
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.
26/06/2018 23:39
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.
25/03/2016
points
We can raise public awareness against racism in football.
25/03/2016 01:02
Leicester City
1761
We can raise public awareness against racism in football.
25/03/2016
points
Of course Balotelli
25/03/2016 01:01
Leicester City
1761
Of course Balotelli
25/03/2016
points
He couldn't
25/03/2016 01:01
Leicester City
1761
He couldn't
25/03/2016
points
I wasn't sure.
25/03/2016 01:01
Leicester City
1761
I wasn't sure.
23/02/2016
points
Sturridge
23/02/2016 16:04
Liverpool
3705
Sturridge
23/02/2016
points
No.
23/02/2016 16:04
Liverpool
3705
No.
03/12/2015
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
03/12/2015 04:53
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
28/11/2015
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!
28/11/2015 20:26
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!
03/12/2015
points
Poor discipline, but today he's more calm
03/12/2015 04:54
Arsenal
2320
Poor discipline, but today he's more calm
13/11/2015
points
He used to be a very promising player, but with poor discipline I doubt that he would be a hit.
13/11/2015 13:32
Arsenal
2453
He used to be a very promising player, but with poor discipline I doubt that he would be a hit.
02/11/2015
points
I think he'll never be a complete player. He's a troublemaker.
02/11/2015 19:29
Arsenal
3557
I think he'll never be a complete player. He's a troublemaker.
03/12/2015
points
Hmmmm, he can be a good player, he lacks management
03/12/2015 04:57
Arsenal
2320
Hmmmm, he can be a good player, he lacks management
26/10/2015
points
vERY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
26/10/2015 16:58
Chelsea
1339
vERY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
03/12/2015
points
More helpful to know player's history
03/12/2015 04:55
Arsenal
2320
More helpful to know player's history
28/10/2014
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.
28/10/2014 18:46
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.