'What am I being judged for?' - Mario Balotelli hits back at critics after video of seemingly drunk striker falling down causes a stir

Balotelli posted his own video on social media following the backlash that came when he was seen falling over, unsteady on his feet and laughing with friends.

The incident happened after Italy's whimper of an exit from Euro 2024 at the hands of Switzerland in the last 16. Balotelli previously inspired the Azzurri to the final of Euro 2012 but hasn't played for the national team since 2018 as his career has waned.

Balotelli said: "I wanted to tell you that I saw the video where I fall down with my friends, we roll around, joke, run. I don't see the problem with having a night out with friends, having fun and joking around, without hurting anyone.

"What am I being judged for? Why didn't you show all the photographs and videos I made with people? I was open to everyone. Instead, after Italy play like that, the news that goes around is that I'm drunk…let's think about important things."

Soon to be 34 years of age, Balotelli is without a club after his contract with Turkish side Adana Demirspor expired. He scored seven goals in 16 Super Lig appearances for the mid-table side in a 2023-24 campaign hampered by injury that couldn't live up to his previous spell with the club in 2021-22. It remains to be seen where he might go next, having bounced around season to season since leaving Nice in January 2019.