“In recent years he has lost a bit but he is still young.” Thus described Roberto Mancini, Italian coach, the situation of his ex-wife at Manchester City, Mario Balotelli. The one with whom he faced an unnecessary flourish in preseason in Los Angeles several years ago but whom he always appreciated and who now leaves the doors open for a return to the Italian team. “He is still the Italian player with the greatest technical qualities,” he said.. At 30 years old and although he has played for just one hour, Mario Balotelli lives a new 'dolce vita' at Silvio Berlusconi's Monza, directed by the faithful 'Mano del Rey', Adriano Galliani. A team that ranks second in Serie B and is among the favorites for promotion (six behind Empoli, leader).
His life changed when in December the club monzesi He offered him a new opportunity after his unfortunate departure from Brescia. With the bresciani It ended up being rescinded, even kicking him out of the premises and crossing unpleasant statements between Cellino, president, and his agent, Mino Raiola. In the end, it ended with Mario's denunciation of his old group.
After six months unemployed and playing for Cluj, Vasco da Gama, Genoa, the Egyptian Pyramids, Barnsley or Besiktas among others, Mario was training with a Serie D club, Franciacorta, waiting for a call. On the other side of the line, the Monza appeared.
Upon his arrival, he had to catch up and was not called up until matchday 16 of the League, where a few minutes were enough to make the first goal with the rossa jersey from Monza. What seemed like the beginning of the redemption was, for the moment, in bloom for a day, since he has been out for the entire month of January due to a muscle injury.
Of the four games that he has missed, he visits Mario Rigamonti, where Brescia fans received him with a banner that he could not read live. “There are players who have loved this city. For us, you are worth nothing. You are a man without dignity,” read the poster hanging outside the stadium. For the Tifosi Mario may be worthless, but for the Brescia club he could come at a considerable cost. For now, in the first open session to examine the termination of the contract of Balo, the judges have decided in favor of the striker and not the Cellino club, estimating that his conduct was worthy of a fine but did not justify the end of the contract. According to the Italian press, Mario's lawyers will request up to 800,000 euros from Brescia corresponding to a five-month contract.
Waiting to return to the pitch, Mario Balotelli lives a new, sweeter life in Monza. For the treatment of the club (Will he dare with Silvio and Galliani?) And also, for the good friendship that unites him with another famous wayward wardrobe partner: Kevin-Prince Boateng, with whom he does not hesitate to pose in photographs on social networks and share hilarious moments in the videos that the club facilitates. His colleagues, despite the well-known adventures of both, tremendously value his quality. “Mario does things that I haven't seen in my entire career and Boateng is exceptional,” said midfielder Marco Fossati. on Sky Sports several weeks ago.
NurPhoto
With the 'vendetta' underway in the courts against Brescia, the team launched, with friends in the dressing room and the open doors of the selection by its great supporter, Mario lives a sweet moment. He has to recover and move him to the green so that, at the end of the season, Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani sign a new commitment with him. Will it be back in Serie A? It remains to be seen.