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{{Infobox football biography
| playername = Mario Balotelli
| image = [[File:Mario Balotelli - Inter Mailand (1).jpg|200px]]
| caption = Balotelli playing for [[F.C. Internazionale Milano|Internazionale]]
| fullname = Mario Barwuah Balotelli<ref name="Mario Balotelli">{{cite web | title = Mario Balotelli | url = http://www.goal.com/en/people/italy/16127/mario-barwuah-balotelli | publisher=Goal.com | accessdate = 3 September 2011}}</ref>
| dateofbirth = {{birth date and age|1990|8|12|df=y}}<ref name="profile">{{cite web | url = http://www.inter.it/aas/squadra/player1?codgioc=G0823&L=en&stagione=2008/09 | title = Mario Balotelli Profile | publisher=[[F.C. Internazionale Milano|Inter]] | accessdate = 3 July 2010 }}</ref>
| cityofbirth = [[Palermo]]
| countryofbirth = [[Italy]]
| height = {{convert|1.88|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcfc.co.uk/Players/Strikers/Mario-Balotelli|title = Manchester City FC Profile|accessdate = 24 October 2011|publisher = Manchester City Football Club}}</ref>
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Striker]]<ref name = "profile" />
| currentclub = [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]
| clubnumber = 45
| youthyears1 = 2001–2005
| youthclubs1 = [[A.C. Lumezzane|Lumezzane]]
| years1 = 2005–2006
| clubs1 = [[A.C. Lumezzane|Lumezzane]]
| caps1 = 2
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2007–2010
| clubs2 = [[F.C. Internazionale Milano|Internazionale]]
| caps2 = 59
| goals2 = 20
| years3 = 2010–
| clubs3 = [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]
| caps3 = 32
| goals3 = 15
| nationalyears1 = 2008–2010
| nationalteam1 = [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy U21]]
| nationalcaps1 = 16
| nationalgoals1 = 6
| nationalyears2 = 2010–
| nationalteam2 = [[Italy national football team|Italy]]
| nationalcaps2 = 7
| nationalgoals2 = 1
| club-update = 22 January 2012
| nationalteam-update = 15 November 2011
}}
'''Mario Barwuah Balotelli''' ({{IPA-it|ˈmarjo baloˈtɛlːi}}; born 12 August 1990) is an [[Italy|Italian]] [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Forward (association football)|striker]] for English team [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]<ref name = "gazzetta_mancity">{{Cite news | title = Balotelli saluta l'Italia "Ho bisogno di giocare" | url = http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Inter/13-08-2010/balotelli-saluta-italia-71775734390.shtml | newspaper=[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]] | date = 13 August 2010 | accessdate = 13 August 2010 | language = Italian }}</ref><ref name = "mancity_official">{{Cite news |url=http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2010/August/Mario-Balotelli-signs-for-Manchester-City |publisher=Manchester City F.C. |accessdate=13 August 2010 |date=13 August 2010 |title=Balotelli signs for City }}</ref> and the [[Italy national football team|Italian national team]].

He started his professional football career at [[A.C. Lumezzane|Lumezzane]] and only played for the first team twice before having an unsuccessful trial at [[FC Barcelona]],<ref>{{Cite news | title = Balotelli, maravillado con Thiago desde su paso por el Barça | url = http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/20110811/balotelli-maravillado-con-thiago-desde-paso-por-barca/1113961.shtml | newspaper=[[Sport (newspaper)]] | date = 11 August 2011 | accessdate = 11 August 2011 | language = Spanish}}</ref> and subsequently joining [[F.C. Internazionale Milano|Internazionale]] in 2007. [[Roberto Mancini]] brought Balotelli into the first team but when Mancini left, Balotelli's disciplinary record fell away. He had a strained relationship with new head coach [[José Mourinho]] and was suspended from Inter's first team in January 2009 after a number of disciplinary problems. His problems deepened in March 2010 when he came under heavy criticism by the Inter fans after he appeared on the Italian TV show ''[[Striscia la notizia]]'' wearing an [[A.C. Milan]] jersey. This damaged the prospect of him having a long career at Inter, but he did make several appearances after that.

With doubts over his career at Inter, former coach Roberto Mancini at Manchester City was keen to give Balotelli a fresh chance at a new club. He joined Manchester City in August 2010, where his performances and off-field activities have continued to be enigmatic. Balotelli earned his first cap for the [[Italy national football team|Italian national team]] on 10 August 2010, in a friendly match against the [[Côte d'Ivoire national football team|Côte d'Ivoire]].

==Early life==
Mario Balotelli was born in [[Palermo]], [[Sicily]], to [[Ghana]]ian immigrants Thomas and Rose Barwuah. The family moved to [[Bagnolo Mella]] in the [[province of Brescia]], Lombardy, shortly after he was born.<ref name="life">{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli's double life: The bitter family feud that haunts the £29m Manchester City target |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1300427/Mario-Balotellis-double-life-The-bitter-family-feud-haunts-29m-Manchester-City-target.html |work=Daily Mail |date=5 August 2010 |accessdate=6 August 2010 | first1=Laura | last1=Williamson | first2=Nick | last2=Pisa | location=London}}</ref> As an infant, he had life-threatening complications with his intestines which led to a series of operations, although his condition had improved by 1992. Mario's health problems and the family's cramped living conditions meant the Barwuahs decided to ask for the help of social services who recommended that he be fostered.<ref name="life"/> In 1993, the Barwuah family agreed to entrust the three-year-old boy to Francesco and Silvia Balotelli,<ref name="life"/> with the legal move formalized by the Court of Brescia.<ref>{{Cite news |work=Corriere della Sera |language=Italian |url=http://www.corriere.it/sport/08_ottobre_12/balotelli_genitori_naturali_93bd1854-980c-11dd-af17-00144f02aabc.shtml |title=Balotelli, il figlio campione che si è dimenticato di noi |accessdate=18 October 2008 |date=12 October 2008}}</ref> When Mario Balotelli became famous, his biological parents asked for his return. He later accused them of "glory hunting", stating that they only wanted him back because of the prominence he had gained.<ref>{{Cite news | date=11 June 2008 | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1083620/Inter-star-Balotelli-accuses-parents-glory-hunting.html | title=Inter's Balotelli accuses biological parents| work=Daily Mail | accessdate=18 May 2009 | first=Christopher | last=Davies | location=London}}</ref> According to Law 91 of 5 February 1992,<ref>{{Cite news | date=6 March 2006 | url=http://www.comune.torino.it/en/papers/italian-citizenship.shtml | title=Italian citizenship| publisher=Comune di Torino | accessdate=6 March 2006}}</ref> Balotelli had to wait until his 18th birthday to request Italian citizenship, as the Balotellis had not adopted him, and he officially gained citizenship on 13 August 2008.<ref>{{Cite news | date=15 August 2008 | url=http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy/brescia/inters-balotelli-gets-italian-citizenship | title=Inter's Balotelli gets Italian citizenship| publisher=Italy Magazine| accessdate=16 May 2009}}</ref>

He has three biological siblings, Abigail, Enoch and Angel.<ref>{{cite news|last=Williamson|first=Laura|title=Mario Balotelli's double life: The bitter family feud that haunts the £29m Manchester City target|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1300427/Mario-Balotellis-double-life-The-bitter-family-feud-haunts-29m-Manchester-City-target.html|accessdate=8 December 2011|newspaper=[[Daily Mail]]|date=5 August 2010|location=London}}</ref> Enoch Barwuah, two years his junior, had a trial at English [[Premier League]] side [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]] in December 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stoke City: Balotelli junior finds it tough at Burton|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Balotelli-junior-finds-tough-Burton/story-14080698-detail/story.html|accessdate=8 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire){{!}}The Sentinel]]|date=8 December 2011}}</ref>

==Club career==
===Lumezzane===
Balotelli began his career with [[A.C. Lumezzane|Lumezzane]]. At the age of 15 he was promoted to the first team, making his first team debut in a [[Lega Pro Prima Divisione|Serie C1]] league match against [[Calcio Padova|Padova]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mariobalotelli.it/en/mario-story/ |publisher=Mario Balotelli Official Website|title=Mario Story|accessdate=7 November 2010}}</ref>

===Internazionale===
Having had an unsuccessful trial with [[FC Barcelona]] at the age of 15<ref>{{Cite news | title = Mario Balotelli's double life: The bitter family feud that haunts the £29m Manchester City target | first1 = Laura | last1 = Williamson | first2 = Nick | last2 = Pisa | url = http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1300427/Mario-Balotellis-double-life-The-bitter-family-feud-haunts-29m-Manchester-City-target.html | newspaper=Daily Mail | date = 5 August 2010 | accessdate = 5 August 2010 | location=London}}</ref> Balotelli was signed by [[F.C. Internazionale Milano]] in 2006 on loan with a pre-set price of €150,000 to [[co-ownership (football)|co-own]] the player.<ref name=Inter2007bilancio>FC Internazionale Milano 2006–07 bilancio, require purchase in [http://www.registroimprese.it/ CCIAA] {{it icon}}</ref> In June 2007 Inter excised the option and purchased another half for additional €190,000.<ref name=Inter2007bilancio/> He made his first team and [[Serie A]] debut on 16 December 2007 replacing [[David Suazo]] in a 2–0 win against [[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/224320?cc=4716 | title = Cagliari 0–2 Inter Milan | publisher=[[ESPNSoccernet]] | accessdate = 30 December 2010 }}</ref> Three days later he featured in the starting lineup in a [[2007–08 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] match against [[Reggina Calcio|Reggina]], scoring two goals in a 4–1 win.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.footballdatabase.com/index.php?page=player&Id=762&pn=Mario_Balotelli_Barwuah |publisher=Football Database|title=Balotelli Biography |accessdate=16 May 2009}}</ref> Balotelli gained national attention after he scored two goals against [[Juventus F.C.|Juventus]] in the return leg of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, being instrumental in a 3–2 away win for Inter.<ref>{{Cite news | date=31 January 2008 | url=http://soccerlens.com/internazionale-beat-juventus-3-2-and-a-star-is-born-in-milan-mario-balotelli/5501/| title=A star is born in Milan:Mario Balotelli| publisher=Soccer Lens| accessdate=16 May 2009}}</ref> His first Serie A goal then came in April 2008 in a 2–0 away win against [[Atalanta B.C.|Atalanta]].<ref>{{Cite news | date=6 April 2008 | url=http://italiansoccerseriea.com/2008/04/06/results-italian-serie-a-week-32---atalanta--fc-inter.aspx| title=Inter Milan 2–0 Atalanta| publisher=Italian Soccer Serie A| accessdate=16 May 2009}}</ref> Inter went on to win the [[Serie A 2007–08|2007–08 Serie A]].<ref>{{Cite news | date=18 May 2008 | url=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/report?id=224402&&cc=5739| title=Parma 0–2 Inter Milan| publisher=ESPN|work=Soccernet| accessdate=16 May 2009}}</ref> Balotelli was a substitute in the [[2008 Supercoppa Italiana|2008]] [[Supercoppa Italiana]] final against [[A.S. Roma]]. He came on as a replacement for [[Luís Figo]], scoring in the 83rd minute. Inter went on to win the final 6–5 on penalties after the match ended 2–2.

In November 2008 he scored his first [[2008–09 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] goal in a 3–3 draw against [[Cyprus|Cypriot]] side [[Anorthosis Famagusta FC|Anorthosis Famagusta]], becoming the youngest Inter player (at 18 years and 85 days) to score in the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]]. This beat the previous record set by [[Obafemi Martins]] at 18 years and 145 days.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Cruz toglie l'Inter dai guai 3–3 con l'Anorthosis |first=Davide |last=Chinellato |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Squadre/Inter/Primo_Piano/2008/11/04/champions.shtml |newspaper=[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]] |date=4 November 2008 |accessdate=30 December 2010 |language=Italian}}</ref> In April 2009 Balotelli scored Inter's goal in a 1–1 draw with Juventus and was [[Racism|racially abused]] by Juventus fans throughout the game, including chants such as "Black Italians do not exist". This led to [[Massimo Moratti]] saying that he would have pulled the team off the pitch if he had been present.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUKTRE53J1ED20090420 |publisher=Reuters |accessdate=20 April 2009 |date=20 April 2009 |title=Inter president chides Juve fans for racist chants | first=Mark | last=Meadows}}</ref> The [[Racism in association football#Italy|racist chants]] were also condemned by Juventus chairman [[Giovanni Cobolli Gigli]] and Juventus were given a one game home-fan ban because of the incident.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8008928.stm |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=15 May 2009 |date=20 April 2009 |title=Juve punished over racial abuse }}</ref> Inter won Serie A for the fourth time in a row.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8053989.stm |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=18 May 2009 |date=16 May 2009 |title=Mourinho wins Serie A with Inter }}</ref>

In his second season with Inter, Balotelli had a number of disciplinary problems, most notably involving head coach [[José Mourinho]] who excluded him from the first team in the second half of January 2009. Earlier that season Mourinho had accused Balotelli of showing a lack of effort in training<ref name="Mario Balotelli: 10 fascinating facts">{{cite web | url=http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/mario-balotelli-10-fascinating-facts | title=Mario Balotelli: 10 fascinating facts | accessdate=25 March 2011 | publisher=GiveMeFootball.com}}</ref> stating "as far as I'm concerned, a young boy like him cannot allow himself to train less than people like [[Luís Figo|Figo]], [[Iván Córdoba|Córdoba]], and [[Javier Zanetti|Zanetti]]."<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=991318.html |publisher=[[FIFA]]|accessdate=18 May 2009 |date=12 January 2009 |title=Mourinho gets tough with Balotelli}}</ref> Balotelli continued to be the subject of racist chants throughout the season, becoming the focus of Juventus fans even during games not involving Inter, leading to Juventus being fined twice and the club ultimately punished with a partial stadium closure.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hr_4WepjB0LJ2CSVolKlXluAYXdA |publisher=AFP |accessdate=25 January 2010 |date=17 January 2010 |title=Juve fans continue to bait Balotelli }}</ref>

Balotelli's disciplinary problems, and his difficult relationship with Mourinho, continued in the 2009–10 season. In November Inter drew 1–1 against [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] and Mourinho criticized his players, even going as far as saying that Balotelli "came close to a zero rating".<ref>{{citenews|title=Jose Mourinho savages 'awful' Inter players|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/nov/09/jose-mourinho-internazionale-roma|work=The Guardian |location=UK |date=9 November 2009 | accessdate=12 May 2010}}</ref> The young striker again incurred the wrath of Juve (Juventus) fans in the heated [[Derby d'Italia]] away encounter with Juventus on 5 December 2009 which Inter lost 2–1. When he was elbowed by Juve midfielder [[Felipe Melo]] in the shoulder he fell on the pitch clutching his face and was promptly booked, while Melo was sent off for a second yellow card. The incident sparked a fiery altercation between teammate [[Thiago Motta]] and Juve goalkeeper [[Gianluigi Buffon]].<ref>{{citenews|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=708749&cc=5739|title=Juventus 2–1 Internazionale: Marchisio magic seals Juve win over Inter|publisher=ESPN|work=Soccernet|date=6 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{citenews|title=La meglio gioventù|url=http://www.lastampa.com/sport/cmsSezioni/quijuve/200912articoli/24082girata.asp|work=La Stampa |location=Italy|date=7 December 2009|language=Italian}}</ref> The tension between player and manager reached its peak on the eve of the [[UEFA Champions League]] second leg against [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] after the young striker was not called-up, following an altercation with Mourinho.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/mar/15/jose-mourinho-chelsea-internazionale |work=The Guardian |location=UK |accessdate=19 March 2010 |date=15 March 2010|title=I should still be manager at Chelsea, says José Mourinho | first=Dominic | last=Fifield}}</ref> Despite Inter's 1–0 win at [[Stamford Bridge (stadium)|Stamford Bridge]], London, Balotelli was criticized by several senior players including captain [[Javier Zanetti]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/inter-milan-captain-zanetti-urges-balotelli-get-head-down-and-work-706461|publisher=TribalFootball.com |accessdate=19 March 2010|date=16 March 2010|title=Inter Milan captain Zanetti urges Balotelli to get head down and work}}</ref> and veteran defender [[Marco Materazzi]] as well as his own agent.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=757198&sec=europe&cc=5739|publisher=ESPN|work=Soccernet |accessdate=19 March 2010|date=17 March 2010|title=Materazzi questions Balotelli attitude}}</ref> In March he came under heavy criticism from fans after he publicly sported an [[A.C. Milan]] (Inter's cross-town rivals) jersey on the Italian show ''[[Striscia la Notizia]]''.<ref>{{citenews|title=Tapiro a Balotelli Mario indossa la maglia del Milan|url=http://www.lastampa.it/multimedia/multimedia.asp?IDmsezione=11&IDalbum=25133&tipo=FOTOGALLERY|work=La Stampa |location=Italy|date=22 March 2010|language=Italian}}</ref>
[[File:Ibrabalotelli.jpg|thumb|right|240px|[[Zlatan Ibrahimović]] with Balotelli]]

Balotelli released a statement of apology in [[F.C. Internazionale Milano|Inter Milan]]'s official website that read:
{{cquote|"I am sorry for the situation that has been created recently. I am the first person who has suffered because I adore football and I want to play, and now I am waiting in silence so I can return to being useful to my team. I want to put the past behind me, look to the future and concentrate on the upcoming commitments and make myself ready."
''Mario Balotelli''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=33591&L=en |title=Mario Balotelli statement |date=1 April 2010 |accessdate=1 April 2010 |publisher=Internazionale}}</ref>}}

After a spell out of the team, Balotelli was recalled for the match against [[Bologna F.C.|Bologna]] and he marked his return with a goal in their 3–0 win.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=33595&L=en |title=Mourinho name squad for Inter vs Bologna |date=2 April 2010 |accessdate=2 April 2010 |publisher=Internazionale}}</ref> He soon caused controversy again in the Champions League semi-final against [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] on 20 April as he threw his jersey on the ground after the final whistle, in response to Inter fans who had booed him for his poor performance.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11860_6106580,00.html |publisher=Sky Sports |accessdate=22 April 2010|date=21 April 2010|title=Inter round on Balotelli}}</ref> This led to an attempt by a small group of supporters to physically attack Balotelli after the end of the game. His behaviour brought disapproval from fans, team-mates and football pundits.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/20-04-2010/booed-balotelli-throws-jerseyand-fans-try-to-attack-him-603718258988.shtml |publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport |title=Booed Balotelli throws jersey And fans try to attack him |accessdate=22 April 2010|date=20 April 2010}}</ref>

===Manchester City===
After weeks of speculation Inter reached an agreement for Balotelli's transfer to [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] on 12 August 2010, believed to be for around £24&nbsp;million. However Inter reported it received €21.856 million,<ref name=Interreport>{{cite book|title=FC Internazionale Milano Spa 2009–10 Bilancio|accessdate=23 June 2011|date=ca. January 2011|work=FC Internazionale Milano|publisher=[http://www.registroimprese.it/ Registro Imprese] & C.C.I.A.A.|language=Italian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ju29ro.com/contro-informazione/2714-inter-una-tripletta-in-rosso.html|title=Inter, una tripletta in rosso|date=31 December 2010|accessdate=23 June 2011|work=ju29ro.com}}</ref> net of [[Solidarity Contribution (football)|solidarity contribution]] to Inter and to other club, which in total about €22.6 million (as about 3.29% as solidarity contribution, payment to former club he spent in 9 years and a month). At Manchester City Balotelli reunited with his former boss, [[Roberto Mancini]].<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8910570.stm |publisher=BBC Sport | title=Man City complete Balotelli deal | date=13 August 2010}}</ref> who said, "his style of play will suit the Premier League, and because he is still so young there is a big chance for him to improve. He is a strong and exciting player, and City fans will enjoy watching him".<ref name="Mario Balotelli finally clinches £23m move to Manchester City as Roberto Mancini is reunited with ex-Inter Milan protege">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302873/Manchester-City-sign-Mario-Balotelli-Inter-Milan.html | title=Mario Balotelli finally clinches £23m move to Manchester City as Roberto Mancini is reunited with ex-Inter Milan protege | accessdate=23 February 2011 | date=13 August 2010 | work=Daily Mail | location=London}}</ref>

On 19 August 2010 Balotelli came on as a substitute to score in his debut against [[FC Timişoara]] in a 1–0 away win in the [[Europa League]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8924265.stm|title=FC Timişoara 0–1 Man City|date=19 August 2010|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=19 August 2010}}</ref> Unfortunately he injured the [[lateral meniscus]] in his right knee in the match and on 8 September he underwent surgery that saw him sidelined until October.<ref>{{Cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9041778.stm |title=Mario Balotelli moves closer to Man City return |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 September 2010 |accessdate=29 September 2010}}</ref> Balotelli eventually made his [[Premier League]] debut on 24 October as a substitute in a 0–3 home defeat to [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]<ref>{{Cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9041778.stm |title=Balotelli does not have a release clause and will not leave City, says agent|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 October 2010 |accessdate=7 November 2010}}</ref> and made his full debut on 30 October in a 2–1 away defeat to [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8108020/Mario-Balotelli-pleads-for-time-at-Manchester-City-after-admitting-physical-struggles.html|title=Mario Balotelli pleads for time at Manchester City after admitting physical struggles|work= Daily Telegraph|date=3 November 2010 |accessdate=7 November 2010|location=London}}</ref> Balotelli scored his first and second Premier League goals on 7 November in a 2–0 away win to [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Brom]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9150046.stm|title=West Brom 0–2 Man City|date=7 November 2010|accessdate=7 November 2010|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> In the same game Balotelli received a red card for violent conduct as the result of a clash with [[Youssuf Mulumbu]], which his manager Roberto Mancini described as unfair.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9165018.stm|title=Man City will appeal against Mario Balotelli's red card|date=7 November 2010|accessdate=7 November 2010|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> Balotelli scored the first two of City's three goals in the 3–0 win over [[FC Red Bull Salzburg]] in Manchester City's Europa League group stage match.<ref name="Man City 3-0 Red Bull Salzburg">{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9243656.stm | title=Man City 3–0 Red Bull Salzburg | accessdate=23 February 2011 | author=Chowdhury, Saj | date=1 December 2010 | publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>

On 21 December 2010 Balotelli won the [[Golden Boy Award]], saying that only one of the past winners was slightly better than he was – [[Lionel Messi]]. He also claimed not to know of Arsenal's [[Jack Wilshere]], the player he narrowly beat to the award.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/dec/21/mario-balotelli-wilshere-fabregas-rooney|work=The Guardian |location=UK|author=Katy Murrels|accessdate=22 December 2010|date=22 December 2010|title=Balotelli wins award}}</ref> On 28 December 2010 Balotelli scored his first Premier League hat-trick in a 4–0 win over [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]].<ref name="Man City 4-0 Aston Villa">{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9317212.stm | title=Man City 4–0 Aston Villa | accessdate=23 February 2011 | author=Fletcher, Paul | date=28 December 2010 | publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> Despite this Balotelli still had problems and in March 2011 he was sent off in the second-leg of Manchester City's Europa League tie with [[Dynamo Kiev]].<ref name="Man City 1 - 0 Dynamo Kiev (agg 1 - 2)">{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9424214.stm | title=Man City 1 - 0 Dynamo Kiev (agg 1 - 2) | accessdate=23 March 2011 | author=Chowdhury, Saj | date=17 March 2011 | work=British Broadcasting Company | publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>
On 14 May 2011 Balotelli was man of the match in the [[2011 FA Cup Final]] as Manchester City defeated [[Stoke City]] 1-0 to win their first trophy in thirty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/tour233-brings-citys-long-wait-to-an-end-2284317.html|title=Touré brings City's long wait to an end|date=16 May 2011|work=The Independent|accessdate=16 May 2011|location=London|first=Steve|last=Tongue}}</ref>

Balotelli scored his first goal of the 2011/12 campaign in a 2-0 [[Carling Cup]] win against [[Birmingham City]]. He followed this up with the opening goal against [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] three days later. On 1 October 2011 he scored his third goal in as many games in a 4-0 win away to [[Blackburn Rovers]]. Balotelli scored the opening two goals and forced the dismissal of [[Jonny Evans]] as City beat [[Manchester United]] 1-6 at [[Old Trafford]] on 23 October 2011.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15325536.stm | title=Man Utd 1 - 6 Man City | date=23 October 2011 | work=British Broadcasting Company | publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> Balotelli made his [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] debut for Man City on 2 November 2011, in the return match against [[Villarreal C.F.|Villarreal]]. He scored from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time during the match, scoring his first CL goal for them in the process and his seventh goal overall in the season.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15457098.stm | title=Villarreal 0 - 3 Man City | date=2 November 2011 | work=British Broadcasting Company | publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> On November 27th, Balotelli came on as a 65th minute substitute against Liverpool, and was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.<ref>{{cite news|author=Martin Samuel |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2066809/Liverpool-1-Manchester-City-1-Joleon-Lescott-goal-denies-City-victory.html |title=Liverpool 1 Manchester City 1: Joleon Lescott own goal denies City victory &#124; Mail Online |publisher=Dailymail.co.uk |date= 27 November 2011|accessdate=2011-12-28 |location=London}}</ref> Balotelli scored using his right shoulder in City's 5-1 win over Norwich on 3 December.<ref>{{cite news|author=Daniel Taylor at the Etihad Stadium |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/05/manchester-city-norwich-record-start |title=Rampant Manchester City are 'frightening' says Norwich's Paul Lambert &#124; Football |publisher=The Guardian |date= 5 December 2011|accessdate=2011-12-28 |location=London}}</ref> He put City 1-0 up against [[Chelsea FC|Chelsea]] at [[Stamford Bridge (stadium)|Stamford Bridge]] after just two minutes on 12 December, although Chelsea rallied to win 2-1.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lyon |first=Sam |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9660507.stm |title=BBC Sport - Football - Chelsea v Man City as it happened |publisher=BBC News |date=2011-12-12 |accessdate=2011-12-28}}</ref>

On 22 January 2012, his team played [[Tottenham Hotspur]]. Balotelli appeared to stamp on [[Scott Parker]] during the match against Tottenham.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mario Balotelli charged with violent conduct by FA|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16693521.stm|publisher=BBC|accessdate=24 January 2012}}</ref> He was already booked but did not get a second yellow from referee [[Howard Webb]]. Balotelli scored his first goal of 2012 against [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] on 22 January, a injury-time penalty which secured a 3-2 win for City.<ref>{{cite news|last=McNulty|first=Phil|title=Man City 3 - 2 Tottenham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/16565416.stm|publisher=BBC|accessdate=24 January 2012|date=22 January 2012}}</ref>

==International career==
Balotelli was unable to answer call-ups to the Italian national under-15 and under-17 teams as he was still considered to be a Ghanaian immigrant.<ref>{{Cite news | date=8 December 2006 | url=http://www.avvenimentionline.it/content/view/519/139/ | title=Un prodigio ma non è azzurro| publisher=Avvenimenti |language=Italian | accessdate=8 December 2006}}</ref>

On 7 August 2007, five days before his 17th birthday, Balotelli received his first senior International call-up for [[Ghana national football team|Ghana]] from their coach [[Claude Le Roy]] for a friendly against [[Senegal national football team|Senegal]] at the [[New Den]] stadium in London, England, on 21 August 2007.<ref name="FIFA International Match">{{Cite news|url=http://www.ghanafa.org/news/read.asp?contentid=2129|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070821222923/http://www.ghanafa.org/news/read.asp?contentid=2129|archivedate=2007-08-21 |title=Le Roy names 20 for friendly |accessdate=22 August 2007 |date=7 August 2007|publisher=[[Ghana Football Association]]}}</ref> He declined the offer citing once again his willingness to play for Italy when he became eligible.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thestatesmanonline.com/pages/news_detail.php?newsid=4516&section=3 |title=Stars to tame the lions today |accessdate=22 August 2007 |date=21 August 2007|work=The Statesman |location=India}}</ref> He also stated his willingness to represent Italy at international level once he acquired an Italian passport.<ref>{{Cite news | date=1 June 2007 | url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/?action=read&id=61151| title=ESCLUSIVA TMW – Inter, il baby fenomeno Balotelli si racconta| publisher=TuttoMercatoWeb|language=Italian | accessdate=19 July 2007}}</ref>
[[File:Balotelli Prandelli Napolitano.jpg|thumb|left|Balotelli and [[Italian national football team|Italy]] manager [[Cesare Prandelli]] (centre) meeting [[Italy|Italian]] President [[Giorgio Napolitano]] (right) in November 2011.]]

Italy U-21 coach [[Pierluigi Casiraghi]] stated his intention to call up Balotelli once he obtained Italian citizenship. On 13 August 2008 Balotelli was finally given Italian citizenship<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/Primo_Piano/2008/05_Maggio/16/casiraghi.shtml |publisher=[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]] |language=Italian |title=Casiraghi: "Occhio a Messi noi partiamo da Nocerino" |accessdate=17 May 2008 |date=16 May 2008}}</ref> and Casiraghi called him to join the [[Italy national under-21 football team]] "Azzurrini" on 29 August for the matches against [[Greece national under-21 football team|Greece]] and [[Croatia national under-21 football team|Croatia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/Primo_Piano/2008/08/29/under.shtml |publisher=[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]] |language=Italian |title=Casiraghi convoca Balotelli |accessdate=29 August 2008 |date=29 August 2008}}</ref> In his debut on 5 September 2008 he scored his first international goal in a 1–1 draw with the Greek U-21's.

Balotelli was named in the final 23-man squad for the [[2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship]]s and scored the opening goal against the hosts Sweden in the 23rd minute. Barely 15 minutes later he was shown a red card for retaliating against a Swedish defender [[Pontus Wernbloom]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://goal.com/en/news/2378/euro-u-21-2009/2009/06/19/1334898/ten-man-italy-defeat-sweden-after-balotelli-sent-off |publisher=Goal.com|author=Peter Staunton|accessdate=19 June 2009 |date=19 June 2009 |title=Ten-Man Italy Defeat Sweden After Balotelli Sent Off}}</ref>

Balotelli received his first call-up for the [[Italy national football team|Italian senior team]], as part of the squad announced by new head coach [[Cesare Prandelli]], for a friendly match against [[Côte d'Ivoire national football team|Côte d'Ivoire]] - the first match after the 2010 World Cup.<ref>{{Cite news |publisher=FIFA.com |accessdate=6 August 2010 |date=6 August 2010 |title=Italy turn to Balotelli, Cassano |url=http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1282049.html }}</ref> On 10 August 2010, two days before his 20th birthday, he made his debut in that match partnering [[Antonio Cassano|Cassano]] and [[Amauri]] in a 0–1 loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=296245&cc=5739&league=FIFA.FRIENDLY|title=Italy 0–1 Ivory Coast|date=10 August 2010|publisher=ESPNsoccernet|accessdate=19 August 2010}}</ref> On 11 November 2011, Balotelli scored his first senior international goal in a 2–0 win against [[Poland national football team|Poland]] at [[Stadion Miejski (Wrocław)|Stadion Miejski]] in [[Wroclaw]], [[Poland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/news/newsid=1715393.html|title=Poland 0 - 2 Italy|date=11 November 2011|publisher=uefa.com|accessdate=11 November 2011}}</ref>

==Style of play==
Balotelli is credited with pace, a forceful shot and technical ability, but criticised for a petulant attitude.<ref name="Mario Balotelli’s award inflates his ego">{{cite web | url=http://blogs.bettor.com/Mario-Balotellis-award-inflates-his-ego-a49099 | title=Mario Balotelli’s award inflates his ego | accessdate=24 February 2011 | author=Anderson, Michael | date=20 December 2010 | publisher=bettor.com}}</ref> He is often nicknamed "[[Mario|Super Mario]]"<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1298803/Carlo-Ancelotti-Mario-Balotelli-win-title-Manchester-City.html Super Mario Balotelli can win title for Manchester City] ''Daily Mail'', 29 July 2010</ref><ref name="telegraph1">[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/7911275/Super-Mario-Balotellis-cartoon-capers-worth-hassle-for-Manchester-City.html Super Mario Balotelli's cartoon capers worth hassle for Manchester City], ''Daily Telegraph'', 27 July 2010</ref> and can play anywhere along the front line. Balotelli is also a set-piece (dead ball) specialist and is regarded as a promising but difficult young striker.

==Personality and reputation==
{{Quote box | width=30% | align=right | quote="The problem is because of his age, he can make some mistakes. He's Mario. He's crazy – but I love him because he's a good guy." |source=<small>[[Roberto Mancini]], Balotelli's manager at [[Internazionale Milano F.C.|Inter Milan]] and [[Manchester City]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Balotelli as good as Messi and Ronaldo - Mancini |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/117618.html |work=ESPN |date=24 October 2011 |accessdate=2011-10-26}}</ref></small> }}

Balotelli has gained a reputation for being an extrovert character and many of his off field antics have been reported in the press. Paying homage to Balotelli's extrovert activities, [[Manchester City F.C. supporters|Manchester City supporters]] often serenade a song with lyrics referring to his antics<ref>{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli's quirky lifestyle honoured with a chant of its own |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/oct/24/manchester-city-fans-mario-balotelli |newspaper=The Guardian |date=24 October 2011 |accessdate=2011-10-26 |location=London |first=Simon |last=Hattenstone}}</ref> and musician [[Tinchy Stryder]] recorded a song in Balotelli's honour.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hear Tinchy Stryder's tribute song to Manchester City's Mario Balotelli - audio |url=http://www.nme.com/news/tinchy-stryder/61169 |work=nme.com |date=29 December 2011 |accessdate=2011-12-29}}</ref>

Within days of joining Manchester City, Balotelli was involved in a car crash.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli escapes unhurt following car crash |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1315415_mario_balotelli_escapes_unhurt_following_car_crash |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=29 August 2010 |accessdate=2011-10-26}}</ref> It was reported that Balotelli was carrying £5000 cash to which a police officer queried why with Balotelli replying: "Because I am rich".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Revaled: Why Mario Balotelli had £5,000 in his back pocket when he crashed his car |url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/the-mole/The-Mole-column-Revealed-why-Manchester-City-signing-Mario-Balotelli-had-5-000-in-his-back-pocket-when-he-crashed-his-car-article571765.html |newspaper=Daily Mirror |date=5 September 2010 |accessdate=2011-10-26}}</ref> Off field activities which have been reported include driving into a women's prison in Italy<ref name="antics">{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli: the life and times of Manchester City’s Italian bad boy |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8661017/Mario-Balotelli-the-life-and-times-of-Manchester-Citys-Italian-bad-boy.html |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=25 July 2011 |accessdate=2011-10-26 |location=London}}</ref> and throwing darts at a youth team player during a training ground '[[prank]]'.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli involved in dart incident |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9439114.stm |work=BBC |date=28 March 2011 |accessdate=2011-10-26 |first=John |last=Sinnott}}</ref> Balotelli has also been subjected to tabloid rumours about him confronting a bully in a school after querying why a young City fan was not at school<ref>{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli helps City fan being bullied at school |url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/3571579/Mario-Balotelli-helps-City-fan-being-bullied-at-school.html |newspaper=The Sun |date=10 May 2011 |accessdate=2011-10-26 |location=London}}</ref> and giving £1000 to a homeless man on the streets of Manchester,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli wins £25,000... then gives £1000 to a tramp |url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3536493/Mario-Balotelli-wins-25000-then-gives-1000-to-a-tramp.html |newspaper=The Sun |date=20 April 2011 |accessdate=2011-10-26 |location=London |first=Gordon |last=Smart}}</ref> allegations which subsequently turned out to be false.<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204644504576649073357131598.html It's Always Something With Balotelli] - Wall Street Journal, 23 Oct 2011</ref><ref>[http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/early-doors/balotelli-could-085800615.html Mario's made-up Santa spree] - Yahoo Eurosport, 19 Dec 2011</ref> Video footage before City's Europa League clash with Dinamo Kiev in March 2011 showed Balotelli requiring assistance to put on a [[Bib (garment)|training bib]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3477054/Mario-Balotelli-struggles-to-dress-himself.html |title=Mario Balotelli struggles to dress himself &#124; The Sun &#124;Sport&#124;Football |publisher=The Sun |date=2011-03-18 |accessdate=2011-12-28 |location=London}}</ref> an incident which teammate Edin Dzeko was seen mimicking the following week in the warm up before City's game at Chelsea.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thornhill |first=Ted |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/858866-video-edin-dzeko-ridicules-mario-balotellis-bib-struggle |title=Edin Dzeko ridicules Mario Balotelli's bib struggle |publisher=Metro.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2011-12-28}}</ref> In September 2011, Balotelli was reportedly seen using his [[iPad]] whilst on the substitutes' bench for Italy during their game with the Faroe Islands,<ref>{{cite web|last=Pangallo |first=Mark |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/874501-mario-balotelli-busted-fiddling-with-ipad-while-on-italy-substitutes-bench |title=Mario Balotelli busted fiddling with iPad while on Italy substitutes' bench |publisher=Metro.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2011-12-28}}</ref> although he denied this on a visit to a prison later that week.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pangallo |first=Mark |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/874724-mario-balotelli-goes-to-prison-gets-mobbed-then-discusses-ipad-gaffe |title=Mario Balotelli goes to prison, gets mobbed then discusses iPad gaffe |publisher=Metro.co.uk |date=2011-09-07 |accessdate=2011-12-28}}</ref> Balotelli has turned the garden of his Manchester home into a racetrack for [[quadbikes]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2055572/Mario-Balotelli-builds-racetrack-garden.html |title=Mario Balotelli builds a racetrack in his garden &#124; Mail Online |publisher=Dailymail.co.uk |date=2011-10-31 |accessdate=2011-12-28 |location=London}}</ref>
Balotelli celebrated his goal against [[Manchester United]] in October 2011 by unveiling a shirt with the words: "Why always me?" on it - a celebration which seemingly disputes the accuracy of newspaper reports.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Why always me? |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11979_7263130,00.html |work=Sky Sports |date=25 October 2011 |accessdate=2011-10-29}}</ref> The day before the match a firework was set off in Balotelli's home, and later that week he was unveiled as an ambassador for firework safety.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/24/mario-balotelli-face-of-fireworks-safety | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Sachin | last=Nakrani | title=Mario Balotelli becomes Manchester's ambassador for fireworks safety | date=24 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Robins |first=Paul |url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/217422/Mario-Balotelli-s-firework-plea/ |title=Simply The Best 7 Days A Week :: News :: Mario Balotelli’s firework plea |publisher=Daily Star |date=2011-10-25 |accessdate=2011-12-28}}</ref> On 5 November 2011, at the annual fireworks display at [[Edenbridge, Kent]], a {{convert|40|ft|m}} tall effigy of Balotelli was burned.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-15606325 | work=BBC News | title=Lewes bonfire celebrations attracting up to 60,000 | date=5 November 2011}}</ref>

In December 2011, Balotelli broke a 48-hour curfew before City's game against Chelsea to go to a curry house, although he "was not drinking alcohol, signed autographs, posed for pictures with fellow diners and was involved in a mock sword-fight using rolling pins". The club launched an internal investigation and he could face disciplinary action.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/125905.html |title=Mario Balotelli in hot water at Manchester City after curry &#124; Football News |publisher=ESPN.co.uk |date=2011-12-12 |accessdate=2011-12-28}}</ref> In the same month, it was reported that Balotelli visited his local church where he donated £200 and then visited a pub in [[Chorlton]] where he bought a £1000 round.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Manchester City's Mario Balotelli donates £200 to his local church... before getting a £1,000 round in down the pub |last=Littlejohn |first=Georgina |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2079151/Manchester-Citys-Mario-Balotelli-donates-200-local-church--getting-1-000-round-pub.html |newspaper=Daily Mail |date=28 December 2011 |accessdate=2011-12-29 |location=London}}</ref> Balotelli's jaunt and donation to church was later confirmed by the church's [[priest]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Bless you Balotelli: Manchester City's Mario in ‘£200 gift’ to Chorlton church's Christmas Midnight Mass |last=Robson |first=Steve |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1469100_bless-you-balotelli-manchester-citys-mario-in-200-gift-to-chorlton-churchs-christmas-midnight-mass |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=28 December 2011 |accessdate=2011-12-29}}</ref>

==International goals==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
|-
| 1. || 11 November 2011 || [[Stadion Miejski (Wrocław)|Stadion Miejski]], [[Wrocław]], [[Poland]] || {{fb|Poland}} || 0–1 || 0–2 || [[Friendly match|Friendly]]
|-
| colspan="12"|<small>''Correct as of 11 November 2011''</small>
|}

==Career statistics==
{{updated|22 January 2012.}}<ref name="Mario Barwuah Balotelli">{{cite web | url=http://uk.soccerway.com/players/mario-balotelli/22357/ | title=Mario Barwuah Balotelli | accessdate=23 February 2011 | publisher=Soccerway}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="2"|League
!colspan="2"|Cup<sup>1</sup>
!colspan="2"|Europe
!colspan="2"|Other<sup>2</sup>
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
| rowspan="2"|[[A.C. Lumezzane|Lumezzane]]
|[[2005–06 Serie C1|2005–06]]
|2||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||2||0
|-
!Total
!2!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!2!!0
|-
| rowspan="5"|[[F.C. Internazionale Milano|Internazionale]]
|[[Serie A 2006-07|2006–07]]
|0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0
|-
|[[Serie A 2007-08|2007–08]]
|11||3||4||4||0||0||0||0||15||7
|-
|[[Serie A 2008-09|2008–09]]
|22||8||2||0||6||1||1||1||31||10
|-
|[[Serie A 2009-10|2009–10]]
|26||9||5||1||8||1||1||0||40||11
|-
!Total
!59!!20!!11!!5!!14!!2!!2!!1!!86!!28
|-
| rowspan="3"|[[Manchester City]]
|[[2010-11 Premier League|2010–11]]
|17||6||5||1||6||3||0||0||28||10
|-
|[[2011-12 Premier League|2011–12]]
|15||9||1||1||2||2||1||0||19||12
|-
!Total
!32!!15!!6!!2!!9!!5!!1!!0!!48!!22
|-
!colspan="2"|Career Total
!93!!37!!17!!7!!23!!7!!3!!1!!136!!50
|}

:<small><sup>1</sup> '''Includes [[Football League Cup]]'''</small>
:<small><sup>2</sup> '''Includes [[Supercoppa Italiana]]'''</small>

==Honours==
===Club===

;Internazionale
*[[Serie A]] (3): [[Serie A 2007–08|2007–08]], [[Serie A 2008–09|2008–09]], [[Serie A 2009-10|2009–10]]
*[[Coppa Italia]] (1): [[2009–10 Coppa Italia|2009–10]]
*[[Supercoppa Italiana]] (1): [[2008 Supercoppa Italiana|2008]]
*[[UEFA Champions League]] (1): [[2009–10 UEFA Champions League|2009–10]]

;Manchester City
*[[FA Cup]] (1): [[2011 FA Cup Final|2011]]

===Individual===

*[[Golden Boy Award]] (1): 2010
*[[2011 FA Cup Final|FA Cup Final Man of the Match]]: 2011

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

== Externa länkar ==
{{Commonscat}}
*{{soccerbase-spelare|id=48766|namn=Mario Balotelli}}
*{{Officiell webbplats|http://www.mariobalotelli.it/}}
*[http://www.gazzetta.it/speciali/statistiche/2008_nw/giocatori/87943.shtml Karriärprofil] på ''[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]]'' {{it ikon}}
*[http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=100681&cc=5739 Profil] på [[ESPNsoccernet]]
*[http://www.premierleague.com/page/PlayerProfile/0,,12306~45418,00.html Premier League profil]
*{{Nfteams|42109}}

{{Manchester City FC:s trupp}}

{{STANDARDSORTERING:Balotelli, Mario}}
[[Kategori:Italienska fotbollsspelare]]
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[[en:Mario Balotelli]]

Versionen från 4 februari 2012 kl. 18.22

Mall:Pp-semi-blp Mall:Good article Mall:Use dmy dates Mall:Infobox football biography Mario Barwuah Balotelli (italienskt uttal: [ˈmarjo baloˈtɛlːi]; born 12 August 1990) is an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for English team Manchester City[1][2] and the Italian national team.

He started his professional football career at Lumezzane and only played for the first team twice before having an unsuccessful trial at FC Barcelona,[3] and subsequently joining Internazionale in 2007. Roberto Mancini brought Balotelli into the first team but when Mancini left, Balotelli's disciplinary record fell away. He had a strained relationship with new head coach José Mourinho and was suspended from Inter's first team in January 2009 after a number of disciplinary problems. His problems deepened in March 2010 when he came under heavy criticism by the Inter fans after he appeared on the Italian TV show Striscia la notizia wearing an A.C. Milan jersey. This damaged the prospect of him having a long career at Inter, but he did make several appearances after that.

With doubts over his career at Inter, former coach Roberto Mancini at Manchester City was keen to give Balotelli a fresh chance at a new club. He joined Manchester City in August 2010, where his performances and off-field activities have continued to be enigmatic. Balotelli earned his first cap for the Italian national team on 10 August 2010, in a friendly match against the Côte d'Ivoire.

Early life

Mario Balotelli was born in Palermo, Sicily, to Ghanaian immigrants Thomas and Rose Barwuah. The family moved to Bagnolo Mella in the province of Brescia, Lombardy, shortly after he was born.[4] As an infant, he had life-threatening complications with his intestines which led to a series of operations, although his condition had improved by 1992. Mario's health problems and the family's cramped living conditions meant the Barwuahs decided to ask for the help of social services who recommended that he be fostered.[4] In 1993, the Barwuah family agreed to entrust the three-year-old boy to Francesco and Silvia Balotelli,[4] with the legal move formalized by the Court of Brescia.[5] When Mario Balotelli became famous, his biological parents asked for his return. He later accused them of "glory hunting", stating that they only wanted him back because of the prominence he had gained.[6] According to Law 91 of 5 February 1992,[7] Balotelli had to wait until his 18th birthday to request Italian citizenship, as the Balotellis had not adopted him, and he officially gained citizenship on 13 August 2008.[8]

He has three biological siblings, Abigail, Enoch and Angel.[9] Enoch Barwuah, two years his junior, had a trial at English Premier League side Stoke City in December 2011.[10]

Club career

Lumezzane

Balotelli began his career with Lumezzane. At the age of 15 he was promoted to the first team, making his first team debut in a Serie C1 league match against Padova.[11]

Internazionale

Having had an unsuccessful trial with FC Barcelona at the age of 15[12] Balotelli was signed by F.C. Internazionale Milano in 2006 on loan with a pre-set price of €150,000 to co-own the player.[13] In June 2007 Inter excised the option and purchased another half for additional €190,000.[13] He made his first team and Serie A debut on 16 December 2007 replacing David Suazo in a 2–0 win against Cagliari.[14] Three days later he featured in the starting lineup in a Coppa Italia match against Reggina, scoring two goals in a 4–1 win.[15] Balotelli gained national attention after he scored two goals against Juventus in the return leg of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, being instrumental in a 3–2 away win for Inter.[16] His first Serie A goal then came in April 2008 in a 2–0 away win against Atalanta.[17] Inter went on to win the 2007–08 Serie A.[18] Balotelli was a substitute in the 2008 Supercoppa Italiana final against A.S. Roma. He came on as a replacement for Luís Figo, scoring in the 83rd minute. Inter went on to win the final 6–5 on penalties after the match ended 2–2.

In November 2008 he scored his first Champions League goal in a 3–3 draw against Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta, becoming the youngest Inter player (at 18 years and 85 days) to score in the Champions League. This beat the previous record set by Obafemi Martins at 18 years and 145 days.[19] In April 2009 Balotelli scored Inter's goal in a 1–1 draw with Juventus and was racially abused by Juventus fans throughout the game, including chants such as "Black Italians do not exist". This led to Massimo Moratti saying that he would have pulled the team off the pitch if he had been present.[20] The racist chants were also condemned by Juventus chairman Giovanni Cobolli Gigli and Juventus were given a one game home-fan ban because of the incident.[21] Inter won Serie A for the fourth time in a row.[22]

In his second season with Inter, Balotelli had a number of disciplinary problems, most notably involving head coach José Mourinho who excluded him from the first team in the second half of January 2009. Earlier that season Mourinho had accused Balotelli of showing a lack of effort in training[23] stating "as far as I'm concerned, a young boy like him cannot allow himself to train less than people like Figo, Córdoba, and Zanetti."[24] Balotelli continued to be the subject of racist chants throughout the season, becoming the focus of Juventus fans even during games not involving Inter, leading to Juventus being fined twice and the club ultimately punished with a partial stadium closure.[25]

Balotelli's disciplinary problems, and his difficult relationship with Mourinho, continued in the 2009–10 season. In November Inter drew 1–1 against Roma and Mourinho criticized his players, even going as far as saying that Balotelli "came close to a zero rating".[26] The young striker again incurred the wrath of Juve (Juventus) fans in the heated Derby d'Italia away encounter with Juventus on 5 December 2009 which Inter lost 2–1. When he was elbowed by Juve midfielder Felipe Melo in the shoulder he fell on the pitch clutching his face and was promptly booked, while Melo was sent off for a second yellow card. The incident sparked a fiery altercation between teammate Thiago Motta and Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.[27][28] The tension between player and manager reached its peak on the eve of the UEFA Champions League second leg against Chelsea after the young striker was not called-up, following an altercation with Mourinho.[29] Despite Inter's 1–0 win at Stamford Bridge, London, Balotelli was criticized by several senior players including captain Javier Zanetti[30] and veteran defender Marco Materazzi as well as his own agent.[31] In March he came under heavy criticism from fans after he publicly sported an A.C. Milan (Inter's cross-town rivals) jersey on the Italian show Striscia la Notizia.[32]

Zlatan Ibrahimović with Balotelli

Balotelli released a statement of apology in Inter Milan's official website that read:

” "I am sorry for the situation that has been created recently. I am the first person who has suffered because I adore football and I want to play, and now I am waiting in silence so I can return to being useful to my team. I want to put the past behind me, look to the future and concentrate on the upcoming commitments and make myself ready."

Mario Balotelli[33]

„

After a spell out of the team, Balotelli was recalled for the match against Bologna and he marked his return with a goal in their 3–0 win.[34] He soon caused controversy again in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on 20 April as he threw his jersey on the ground after the final whistle, in response to Inter fans who had booed him for his poor performance.[35] This led to an attempt by a small group of supporters to physically attack Balotelli after the end of the game. His behaviour brought disapproval from fans, team-mates and football pundits.[36]

Manchester City

After weeks of speculation Inter reached an agreement for Balotelli's transfer to Manchester City on 12 August 2010, believed to be for around £24 million. However Inter reported it received €21.856 million,[37][38] net of solidarity contribution to Inter and to other club, which in total about €22.6 million (as about 3.29% as solidarity contribution, payment to former club he spent in 9 years and a month). At Manchester City Balotelli reunited with his former boss, Roberto Mancini.[39] who said, "his style of play will suit the Premier League, and because he is still so young there is a big chance for him to improve. He is a strong and exciting player, and City fans will enjoy watching him".[40]

On 19 August 2010 Balotelli came on as a substitute to score in his debut against FC Timişoara in a 1–0 away win in the Europa League.[41] Unfortunately he injured the lateral meniscus in his right knee in the match and on 8 September he underwent surgery that saw him sidelined until October.[42] Balotelli eventually made his Premier League debut on 24 October as a substitute in a 0–3 home defeat to Arsenal[43] and made his full debut on 30 October in a 2–1 away defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.[44] Balotelli scored his first and second Premier League goals on 7 November in a 2–0 away win to West Brom.[45] In the same game Balotelli received a red card for violent conduct as the result of a clash with Youssuf Mulumbu, which his manager Roberto Mancini described as unfair.[46] Balotelli scored the first two of City's three goals in the 3–0 win over FC Red Bull Salzburg in Manchester City's Europa League group stage match.[47]

On 21 December 2010 Balotelli won the Golden Boy Award, saying that only one of the past winners was slightly better than he was – Lionel Messi. He also claimed not to know of Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, the player he narrowly beat to the award.[48] On 28 December 2010 Balotelli scored his first Premier League hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Aston Villa.[49] Despite this Balotelli still had problems and in March 2011 he was sent off in the second-leg of Manchester City's Europa League tie with Dynamo Kiev.[50] On 14 May 2011 Balotelli was man of the match in the 2011 FA Cup Final as Manchester City defeated Stoke City 1-0 to win their first trophy in thirty-five years.[51]

Balotelli scored his first goal of the 2011/12 campaign in a 2-0 Carling Cup win against Birmingham City. He followed this up with the opening goal against Everton three days later. On 1 October 2011 he scored his third goal in as many games in a 4-0 win away to Blackburn Rovers. Balotelli scored the opening two goals and forced the dismissal of Jonny Evans as City beat Manchester United 1-6 at Old Trafford on 23 October 2011.[52] Balotelli made his Champions League debut for Man City on 2 November 2011, in the return match against Villarreal. He scored from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time during the match, scoring his first CL goal for them in the process and his seventh goal overall in the season.[53] On November 27th, Balotelli came on as a 65th minute substitute against Liverpool, and was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.[54] Balotelli scored using his right shoulder in City's 5-1 win over Norwich on 3 December.[55] He put City 1-0 up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after just two minutes on 12 December, although Chelsea rallied to win 2-1.[56]

On 22 January 2012, his team played Tottenham Hotspur. Balotelli appeared to stamp on Scott Parker during the match against Tottenham.[57] He was already booked but did not get a second yellow from referee Howard Webb. Balotelli scored his first goal of 2012 against Tottenham Hotspur on 22 January, a injury-time penalty which secured a 3-2 win for City.[58]

International career

Balotelli was unable to answer call-ups to the Italian national under-15 and under-17 teams as he was still considered to be a Ghanaian immigrant.[59]

On 7 August 2007, five days before his 17th birthday, Balotelli received his first senior International call-up for Ghana from their coach Claude Le Roy for a friendly against Senegal at the New Den stadium in London, England, on 21 August 2007.[60] He declined the offer citing once again his willingness to play for Italy when he became eligible.[61] He also stated his willingness to represent Italy at international level once he acquired an Italian passport.[62]

Balotelli and Italy manager Cesare Prandelli (centre) meeting Italian President Giorgio Napolitano (right) in November 2011.

Italy U-21 coach Pierluigi Casiraghi stated his intention to call up Balotelli once he obtained Italian citizenship. On 13 August 2008 Balotelli was finally given Italian citizenship[63] and Casiraghi called him to join the Italy national under-21 football team "Azzurrini" on 29 August for the matches against Greece and Croatia.[64] In his debut on 5 September 2008 he scored his first international goal in a 1–1 draw with the Greek U-21's.

Balotelli was named in the final 23-man squad for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championships and scored the opening goal against the hosts Sweden in the 23rd minute. Barely 15 minutes later he was shown a red card for retaliating against a Swedish defender Pontus Wernbloom.[65]

Balotelli received his first call-up for the Italian senior team, as part of the squad announced by new head coach Cesare Prandelli, for a friendly match against Côte d'Ivoire - the first match after the 2010 World Cup.[66] On 10 August 2010, two days before his 20th birthday, he made his debut in that match partnering Cassano and Amauri in a 0–1 loss.[67] On 11 November 2011, Balotelli scored his first senior international goal in a 2–0 win against Poland at Stadion Miejski in Wroclaw, Poland.[68]

Style of play

Balotelli is credited with pace, a forceful shot and technical ability, but criticised for a petulant attitude.[69] He is often nicknamed "Super Mario"[70][71] and can play anywhere along the front line. Balotelli is also a set-piece (dead ball) specialist and is regarded as a promising but difficult young striker.

Personality and reputation

Mall:Quote box

Balotelli has gained a reputation for being an extrovert character and many of his off field antics have been reported in the press. Paying homage to Balotelli's extrovert activities, Manchester City supporters often serenade a song with lyrics referring to his antics[72] and musician Tinchy Stryder recorded a song in Balotelli's honour.[73]

Within days of joining Manchester City, Balotelli was involved in a car crash.[74] It was reported that Balotelli was carrying £5000 cash to which a police officer queried why with Balotelli replying: "Because I am rich".[75] Off field activities which have been reported include driving into a women's prison in Italy[76] and throwing darts at a youth team player during a training ground 'prank'.[77] Balotelli has also been subjected to tabloid rumours about him confronting a bully in a school after querying why a young City fan was not at school[78] and giving £1000 to a homeless man on the streets of Manchester,[79] allegations which subsequently turned out to be false.[80][81] Video footage before City's Europa League clash with Dinamo Kiev in March 2011 showed Balotelli requiring assistance to put on a training bib,[82] an incident which teammate Edin Dzeko was seen mimicking the following week in the warm up before City's game at Chelsea.[83] In September 2011, Balotelli was reportedly seen using his iPad whilst on the substitutes' bench for Italy during their game with the Faroe Islands,[84] although he denied this on a visit to a prison later that week.[85] Balotelli has turned the garden of his Manchester home into a racetrack for quadbikes.[86] Balotelli celebrated his goal against Manchester United in October 2011 by unveiling a shirt with the words: "Why always me?" on it - a celebration which seemingly disputes the accuracy of newspaper reports.[87] The day before the match a firework was set off in Balotelli's home, and later that week he was unveiled as an ambassador for firework safety.[88][89] On 5 November 2011, at the annual fireworks display at Edenbridge, Kent, a 40 fot (12 m) tall effigy of Balotelli was burned.[90]

In December 2011, Balotelli broke a 48-hour curfew before City's game against Chelsea to go to a curry house, although he "was not drinking alcohol, signed autographs, posed for pictures with fellow diners and was involved in a mock sword-fight using rolling pins". The club launched an internal investigation and he could face disciplinary action.[91] In the same month, it was reported that Balotelli visited his local church where he donated £200 and then visited a pub in Chorlton where he bought a £1000 round.[92] Balotelli's jaunt and donation to church was later confirmed by the church's priest.[93]

International goals

# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 11 November 2011 Stadion Miejski, Wrocław, Poland  Polen 0–1 0–2 Friendly
Correct as of 11 November 2011

Career statistics

Mall:Updated[94]

Club Season League Cup1 Europe Other2 Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Lumezzane 2005–06 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Total 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Internazionale 2006–07 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2007–08 11 3 4 4 0 0 0 0 15 7
2008–09 22 8 2 0 6 1 1 1 31 10
2009–10 26 9 5 1 8 1 1 0 40 11
Total 59 20 11 5 14 2 2 1 86 28
Manchester City 2010–11 17 6 5 1 6 3 0 0 28 10
2011–12 15 9 1 1 2 2 1 0 19 12
Total 32 15 6 2 9 5 1 0 48 22
Career Total 93 37 17 7 23 7 3 1 136 50
1 Includes Football League Cup
2 Includes Supercoppa Italiana

Honours

Club

Internazionale
Manchester City

Individual

References

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