'The tabloids went overboard' - Mario Balotelli says tumultuous Man City spell 'shaped' him and explains famous 'Why always me?' celebration

The Italian striker joined City from Inter as one of the most promising players of his generation, but his reputation as a problem child and his inconsistent performances marked him as easy material for the English tabloids. After a series of famous off-field incidents, including a house fire reportedly caused by fireworks being let off in his bathroom, Balotelli scored in a historic 6-1 win against Manchester United in October 2011 and celebrated by unveiling a shirt that displayed the message "Why always me?" in response to the constant reports about him.

His spell at the Etihad, from 2010 to 2013, saw him score 30 goals in 80 games and win the Premier League crown, culminating in providing the famous assist for Sergio Aguero's title-winning goal in May 2012.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Balotelli says the chaotic spell in England had a big impact on him.

"My experience with Inter was part of my development, but I think England shaped me the most," he said. "It was the first time I was alone, my family wasn't there, and I wasn't used to it. It shapes you for better or for worse, because you make mistakes and have to get out of them on your own. Why Always Me? I had it before the match with a warehouse worker; I was the centre of attention for my problems, and it was a nice outburst. The tabloids in England went overboard with me."

The striker also spoke about his relationships with key figures throughout his career, describing Zlatan Ibrahimovic as "a pain in the ass, but he only pisses off those he loves." He added: "He wanted me to give my best in every game and every training session." 

Balotelli credited brothers Kolo and Yaya Toure for taking him "under their wing" at City and Liverpool praised Roberto Mancini and Cesare Prandelli as the managers who understood him best. "I played a lot with Mancini. I had a really good time with Prandelli in the national team. He took me in the right way, giving me the right amount of freedom both on and off the pitch. Obviously, no one is Diego Maradona and you have to stick to the rules. I've had more time with Mancini and I know him very well."

Balotelli, who has 14 goals in 36 caps for Italy, expressed his sadness at how his international career concluded and holds a dream of a final appearance. "For me, the national team is a key point... I was proud to represent Italy, and that's something I miss," he said. The forward offered a theory as to why he was no longer selected, suggesting off-field politics may have played a part. "Why didn't they want me in the national team anymore? I don't even know the real reason. I can imagine... Is it due to the lack of affinity with Juventus? Maybe so."

Having left Genoa at the end of last season, Balotelli is currently without a club but is training alone to maintain his fitness. He revealed he has turned down offers from abroad in the hope of finding another team in Italy. "I've had offers from abroad and I said no because in my heart I still hoped there was a chance to play in Italy," he stated. "Right now, that offer hasn't arrived, and I'm at a point where I have to decide whether to sign for a team abroad or maybe take a break and think about January."