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Barcelona & Manchester United Tried To Land Inter's Mario Balotelli - Report

The European giants moved in for the youngster when he was only 15, but came away empty-handed...

Sep 10, 2009 1:27:34 PM

Inter striker Mario Balotelli silences the jeering crowd with a wonder strike against Chievo Verona

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Inter striker Mario Balotelli silences the jeering crowd with a wonder strike against Chievo Verona

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Mario Barwuah Balotelli

Inter striker Mario Balotelli could have been playing for the opposition in next week's clash against Barcelona, according to El Mundo Deportivo.

The Spanish paper claims 'Super Mario' was on the verge of joining the Blaugrana three years ago, when he was playing for Serie C side Lumezzane in 2006. Back then a number of major European sides, including Manchester United and Barcelona, fought for his signature.

After much wrangling and discourse, Balotelli snubbed the Catalans and joined Inter instead. Voices suggest Barcelona made an approach but were scared off as the player's representatives named a high price.

In addition, the report indicates that Manchester United and Fiorentina also pulled out of the running, leaving Inter to pounce unchallenged.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

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