Mario Balotelli was a player that was once seen by many to be destined for greatness. His magnificent abilities as a striker saw him popularly be known as “Super Mario” At the time. Balloteli’s deadly combination of strength and once along with an eye for goal was what made one of the most promising youngsters in football at the time. Throughout the history of football, we have seen several players with immense potential that ended up failing to meet expectations. The reasons for this could vary for each player, whether it was injuries, joining the wrong club, or failing to adjust to a certain league. In the case of Balotelli, it was unfortunately the wrong attitude both on and off the pitch that led to the demise of a potential great career that was ahead of him. This article will look at Mario Balotelli’s time at Manchester City, which saw both his brilliance as a player and his poor attitude issues that saw the end of his stint with City.
A wild first season
Mario Balotelli joined Manchester City from Inter Milan on August 12 2010 for a €21.8 million fee, and the move saw him reunite with his former Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini. Balotelli made his debut as a substitute for the Citizens in a Europa League match against Politehnica Timișoara. City won the match 1-0, but Balotelli's debut was overshadowed by a knee injury that ruled him out till October.
It was in the month of October that Balotelli made his debut in the Premier League for Arsenal. He had a slow start for City, but the following month of November saw the Italian begin his scoring run for the Citizen.
Balotelli scored a brace in City's away win vs West Bromwich Albion, but the player was also sent off in this match after a clash with Youssuf Mulumbu. He scored yet another brace for City, this time in a 3-0 win vs Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League.
The month of December was even better for the promising Italian player, as he was awarded the Golden Boy Award. This brilliant period of momentum continued with his first Premier League Hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Aston Villa. Disciplinary issues were still a part of the player, as Balotelli was once again shown a Red card against Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa League. He was still able to end the season on a high, as Balotelli was named the Man of the Match in City's 1-0 win over Stoke that saw them win the FA Cup.
Further success
Balotelli began the following season in excellent form, as he frequently scored important goals for the club. His magnificent performance against Manchester United that season was praised in particular, as City demolished United 6-1 at Old Trafford. His attitude problems still came to haunt him, as the player was sent off against Liverpool after being shown 2 yellow cards. Balotelli still managed to score important goals for City as the season progressed and was a vital part of the team. A stamping incident on Scott Parker by Balotelli during City's match against Tottenham saw the player receive a 4 game ban. As usual though, Balotelli kept on scoring important goals for the club after his return. However, the player went on to receive his 4th red card of the season and a 3-match ban.
Roberto Mancini seemed to have finally lost patience with the Italian, even suggesting Balotelli would not play any part in the remainder of City's season and be sold by the club. The player still went on to make an appearance in the last match of the season, which saw one of the most important assists in Manchester City's history as Aguero scored the legendary last-minute goal which sealed the league for City after 44 years.
The end of Balotelli at City
Mario Balotelli's time at City came to an ugly end, as he decided to fight against Manchester City's decision to fine him two weeks' wages for his poor disciplinary record the previous season by taking his club to a Premier League tribunal. However, Balotelli dropped his tribunal action in the end and accepted the fine. This was the end of him at City though, as Balotelli eventually joined AC Milan for €20 million.
Balotelli's 3 years at City saw the very best of him as a player, and also his worst as well in terms of discipline. His career sadly went downhill after leaving the Citizens. The Italian will unfortunately end up as yet another "What Could've been" Case in football history.
