LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Mario Balotelli admits Mino Raiola, his former agent, said he is to be held responsible for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s abundance of Ballon d’Ors.
The erratic Italian striker has always possessed game-changing talent, but throughout the years, his mentality has frequently come under scrutiny.
He has been unable to reach his full potential and compete with the world’s top athletes because of these flaws.
Balotelli acknowledges that his lack of effort contributed to Messi and Ronaldo winning 12 Golden Balls between them.
According to the Muschio Selvaggio podcast of the message he was given by a former representative that passed away in 2022: “Raiola always told me the same thing: If Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have so many Ballon d’Or trophies, it is your fault. He was right, too often I played at 20% of my capabilities.”
Balotelli is now plying his trade in Switzerland with Sion and believes he still has plenty to offer the game, with the 32-year-old is refusing to give up hope of adding to his haul of 36 international caps.
He added: “When I wear the Azzurri jersey, the feeling is incredible. I always got along well with [Roberto] Mancini, it’s not true that we argued at Manchester City. I still feel that I am worthy of the Nazionale.”
Although Balotelli hasn’t played for Italy since 2018 and has led a nomadic life at the club level since then, his talent is undeniable, and there may still be more fascinating chapters in his incredible sporting career for him to write.
