Balotelli: Ready for return, fans deserve respect | OneFootball

On the eve of his 35th birthday, Mario Balotelli opens up in a long interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, tackling personal topics, career memories, and opinions on current football. The former National Team striker, now a free agent after his experience with Genoa, doesn't hide his desire to get back in the game

Balotelli with an open heart: "Ready to return to the field. The National Team? Someone didn't want me. Lookman? Fans deserve respect"

"I'm fine and ready. I'd like to play for another two or three years, then I'll end my career with my brother Enock. I'm looking for a club that will give me trust."

Preparation and desire for redemption To stay in shape, Balotelli also trains in muay thai, under the guidance of world champion Rodtang:

"It's a tough sport, but it's fun and helps me stay well."

The National Team and regrets The peak of his career in the blue jersey remains Euro 2012, but Balotelli admits some regret:

"I could have played more. If I had had more chances, maybe I would have approached Gigi Riva's record. Someone didn't want me in the National Team, but that's water under the bridge."

A thought for CT Gennaro Gattuso ahead of the World Cup: "I wish him good luck, he'll give his all."

Between Inter, Milan, and the collapse of Brescia Raised with the myth of Ronaldo "The Phenomenon", Balotelli remembers the affection for both Milanese teams:

"I gave and received a lot from Inter and Milan. Being a fan is another thing."

On his Brescia, relegated to Serie C, he doesn't hide bitterness: "When they took the armband away from me, I said they would realize who their president was. Now with Pasini, I hope we can start again."

The Lookman case and respect for fans Despite declaring that he doesn't follow current events much, Balotelli comments on the situation of the Atalanta striker:

"With today's mindset, in his place, I wouldn't have deleted the photos with the Atalanta jersey. It's true that there are no more flags, but fans don't come into it and deserve respect."

New bombers and young players to watch Balotelli denounces the lack of trust in young strikers:

"They send them on loan and after a few months, they change teams. That way, they get lost."

On three prospects in particular, the judgment is clear:

Venturino (Genoa): "He has good shots, deserves continuity"

Camarda (Milan, now at Lecce): "I'm curious to see him grow"

Pio Esposito (Inter): "He's the one I like the most. He has everything to break through"

Balotelli the father Father of Pia and Lion, Mario reflects on the importance of this role:

"Over time, I've realized how wonderful it is to be a father. With Pia, it's going better, with Lion, it's more difficult because of the laws."

A smile when talking about his children: "Pia is inclined towards karate, Lion towards football. But at eight years old, it's too early to say if he'll be like me."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.