***Official Balo Watch Thread***

[ant london]

Did you lot grow up as indulged feral children where your parents let you do what you wanted or something? I'm shocked ;-)

Are you saying you didn't? I always knew you were a posh kid

busted!! haha

[craigmcfc]

I'm with Ant on this one, I don't see how it could be a bad thing and I think he has definitely had problems with homesickness. Having family with him can only be a help?

Besides, we don't want all the entertainment to disappear, do we?

[1950]

His parents are coming over for a visit to help him move & settle in a new house.

Non-story much?

[Ted Hughes]

I hope he moves in next door to Rio Ferdinand.

[Fesan]

He has said himself that his family and a few friends were moving over next season, don't know why SUN are rehashing it now as it was said weeks ago.

[Beefymcfc]

having his parents there just allows more spoilt behaviour I reckon.

really?

fuck me Beefers....I don't know what life was like for you as a child but I have to say that when Old Mother London is around (even today) my behaviour is SIGNIFICANTLY moderated and I am much less likely to get into any bother.

Maybe you were spoiled rotten but my parental unit certainly believed more in the old tough love approach, and I'd suspect the same may be true chez Balotelli

You wouldn't want to hear my story mate but I can assure you I was never spoilt as a child but have seen plenty of it. And it's not that I'm refering to, it's more the fact that I was hoping he'd got away from his mother's coat-tails and started living as many young men do - on their own with guidance when needed. The thing that gets me is that even when he was back home with his parents he was exactly the same, as was shown in his attitude at Inter. Then we have the reports that he missed the 'Home Coming' and went back to Italy for family reasons only to be photographed playing pranks the very next day.

Don't get me wrong, I quite enjoy his funny ways and foolish antics, reminds me of myself somewhat, but we brought him in to play football and that is what I want to see, nothing more. I don't do the hero worship thing and see all our players as players who, as long as they do the job, are alright by me. We've now wasted a season while he adjusts and we were getting vibes that he wanted to get his head down under Mancini. I just don't want to waste another season while he now re-adjusts to his family sorting out his every whim.

[lets all have a disco]

I can only imagine how it must feel to be earning so much cash that you can turn round to your folks and friends and say fuck your lives come and help me settle into a new country tell me how wonderful i am and i'll get you houses,flats,cars etc etc.

Dont worry i'll sort it.

Jeez,man up.

[wolfcity]

Fuck sake, 20 years old and he needs his ma to hold his hand.

He's also living in another Country on his own for the first time. Footballers are people too!

You get the impression he'll succeed or fail in a spectacular way. Hopefully it's the former in a Blue shirt.

[ant london]

He's also living in another Country on his own for the first time. Footballers are people too!
.

That was entirely my point, glad I'm not the only one who can see it.

I lived and worked overseas for a year when I was 20, I wasn't at a uni with loads of other foreigners, nor was I in the position that a few of you on here have been....in the army.....with essentially a massive bunch of similar aged lads. It was only France but I was working in a large company, the only Brit, the youngest person doing what I was doing (basically an industrial placement) and with zero support structure in terms of friends, family or anything "familiar" to lean on.

Those who have met me know that I'm not exactly a meek, shrinking violet but I'll tell you what.....for at least the first 4-6 months it wasn't the easiest experience. It was pretty lonely at times and at others it was fucking miserable, my old man died when I was back for Xmas and then I had to go back and do another 6 months. In the end it was a great experience and looking back on it I'm very glad I did it but along the way....well it was often no picnic.

Sure, these days being a footballer with millions in the bank might open up more options, yes people would want to talk to you and birds would be all over you but honestly.....it wouldn't make me automatically happy. What anyone needs to be content is to enjoy their life....that includes work (having some decent relationships in your workplace as well as enjoying the job) and having some friends and maybe family to spend time with out of work.

I can understand lots of peoples' reactions re Mario and other footballers of "what the fuck does he have to worry about" but I would say that, on a human level, most are saying that as they have never been in this position at that age (not the footballer part, just young and solo in an alien environment) and haven't a clue as to how they might feel/cope.

[markuse]

A workmate of mine met Mario yesterday in Sestri Levante and spent the whole day with him. Mario arrived with a white Mercedes CL63 AMG (but no parking tickets for him there) and when asked whether he was moving to A.C. Milan our Mario replied that he's staying in Manchester and doesn't want or plan to move anywhere soon.

[Beefymcfc]

He's also living in another Country on his own for the first time. Footballers are people too!
.

That was entirely my point, glad I'm not the only one who can see it.

I lived and worked overseas for a year when I was 20, I wasn't at a uni with loads of other foreigners, nor was I in the position that a few of you on here have been....in the army.....with essentially a massive bunch of similar aged lads. It was only France but I was working in a large company, the only Brit, the youngest person doing what I was doing (basically an industrial placement) and with zero support structure in terms of friends, family or anything "familiar" to lean on.

Those who have met me know that I'm not exactly a meek, shrinking violet but I'll tell you what.....for at least the first 4-6 months it wasn't the easiest experience. It was pretty lonely at times and at others it was fucking miserable, my old man died when I was back for Xmas and then I had to go back and do another 6 months. In the end it was a great experience and looking back on it I'm very glad I did it but along the way....well it was often no picnic.

Sure, these days being a footballer with millions in the bank might open up more options, yes people would want to talk to you and birds would be all over you but honestly.....it wouldn't make me automatically happy. What anyone needs to be content is to enjoy their life....that includes work (having some decent relationships in your workplace as well as enjoying the job) and having some friends and maybe family to spend time with out of work.

I can understand lots of peoples' reactions re Mario and other footballers of "what the fuck does he have to worry about" but I would say that, on a human level, most are saying that as they have never been in this position at that age (not the footballer part, just young and solo in an alien environment) and haven't a clue as to how they might feel/cope.

Nice story mate (and sorry about your old man) but when you look at it you've actually backed up my point. You had a rough 6 months but went back and had a great experience, similar to where I'd suggest Mario is. He's got to the point where he doesn't need someone to hold his hand, and let's face it, if he wants to see them then he can be there, or them here, within 2 hours.

As for the Army, or any job for that matter, it's exactly the same mate. You move away to an alien environment where you don't know what will happen to you. Just because there's people around you of a similar age doesn't mean it's all rosey in the garden, just as those similar aged personnel who play football for City, which Mario seems to have settled in well with. At least he has chance to play games with the the Junior's, even if it is them dodging Double Top.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

He's also living in another Country on his own for the first time. Footballers are people too!
.

That was entirely my point, glad I'm not the only one who can see it.

I lived and worked overseas for a year when I was 20, I wasn't at a uni with loads of other foreigners, nor was I in the position that a few of you on here have been....in the army.....with essentially a massive bunch of similar aged lads. It was only France but I was working in a large company, the only Brit, the youngest person doing what I was doing (basically an industrial placement) and with zero support structure in terms of friends, family or anything "familiar" to lean on.

Those who have met me know that I'm not exactly a meek, shrinking violet but I'll tell you what.....for at least the first 4-6 months it wasn't the easiest experience. It was pretty lonely at times and at others it was fucking miserable, my old man died when I was back for Xmas and then I had to go back and do another 6 months. In the end it was a great experience and looking back on it I'm very glad I did it but along the way....well it was often no picnic.

Sure, these days being a footballer with millions in the bank might open up more options, yes people would want to talk to you and birds would be all over you but honestly.....it wouldn't make me automatically happy. What anyone needs to be content is to enjoy their life....that includes work (having some decent relationships in your workplace as well as enjoying the job) and having some friends and maybe family to spend time with out of work.

I can understand lots of peoples' reactions re Mario and other footballers of "what the fuck does he have to worry about" but I would say that, on a human level, most are saying that as they have never been in this position at that age (not the footballer part, just young and solo in an alien environment) and haven't a clue as to how they might feel/cope.

You do make good point Ant but still......at 20, being single, wild and free your heart is supposed to be filled with natural yearn for adventure. Like "I'll be living in cool new foreign country, earning tons and I'll probably get some nice beaver as well". Despite your struggles, I'm sure that's the way you saw it as well.

And yeah. it might be bit of a struggle but you'd think "sod it, last thing I'm going to do is give up and go back". That's why I don't understand some of these youngsters coming over and then being completely overwhelmed with the whole experience. I mean, I was 18 when I moved out of the house and as nice as my parents are (my mom actually has one of the wittiest and most dry sense of humour I've ever known) I could have never even thought about going back live with them. EVER.

[kinkylola]

He's also living in another Country on his own for the first time. Footballers are people too!
.

That was entirely my point, glad I'm not the only one who can see it.

I lived and worked overseas for a year when I was 20, I wasn't at a uni with loads of other foreigners, nor was I in the position that a few of you on here have been....in the army.....with essentially a massive bunch of similar aged lads. It was only France but I was working in a large company, the only Brit, the youngest person doing what I was doing (basically an industrial placement) and with zero support structure in terms of friends, family or anything "familiar" to lean on.

Those who have met me know that I'm not exactly a meek, shrinking violet but I'll tell you what.....for at least the first 4-6 months it wasn't the easiest experience. It was pretty lonely at times and at others it was fucking miserable, my old man died when I was back for Xmas and then I had to go back and do another 6 months. In the end it was a great experience and looking back on it I'm very glad I did it but along the way....well it was often no picnic.

Sure, these days being a footballer with millions in the bank might open up more options, yes people would want to talk to you and birds would be all over you but honestly.....it wouldn't make me automatically happy. What anyone needs to be content is to enjoy their life....that includes work (having some decent relationships in your workplace as well as enjoying the job) and having some friends and maybe family to spend time with out of work.

I can understand lots of peoples' reactions re Mario and other footballers of "what the fuck does he have to worry about" but I would say that, on a human level, most are saying that as they have never been in this position at that age (not the footballer part, just young and solo in an alien environment) and haven't a clue as to how they might feel/cope.

You do make good point Ant but still......at 20, being single, wild and free your heart is supposed to be filled with natural yearn for adventure. Like "I'll be living in cool new foreign country, earning tons and I'll probably get some nice beaver as well". Despite your struggles, I'm sure that's the way you saw it as well.

And yeah. it might be bit of a struggle but you'd think "sod it, last thing I'm going to do is give up and go back". That's why I don't understand some of these youngsters coming over and then being completely overwhelmed with the whole experience. I mean, I was 18 when I moved out of the house and as nice as my parents are (my mom actually has one of the wittiest and most dry sense of humour I've ever known) I could have never even thought about going back live with them. EVER.

Thing is, I don't think any of us can imagine how any of these players have been pampered and had their hands held through the years. I mean, moving to other countries and so on, we're probably talking about players of good to exceptional talent ... and they have surely been treated with kiddie gloves their whole lives ("professional lives" anyway).

Beyond that, I don't feel comfortable telling anyone how they should feel when they go away from home. I have my own experiences, but I also realize that they are wholly and completely different from everyone else's. Add to that how professional players are scrutinized by fans and media alike ... and I believe it adds up to something a regular joe can't really comprehend.

[Tru_Blu]

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1444829.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

Injury rules Balotelli out
(AFP) Tuesday 31 May 2011
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Italian forward Mario Balotelli has been ruled out of Friday's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying match against Estonia in Modena after injuring his knee in training.

Enrico Castellacci, Italy's team doctor, said he wouldn't be fit in time after hurting the same knee he has already been operated on.
I'm worried and I'll be getting straight in contact with the medical staff at Manchester City.
Enrico Castellacci, Italy's team doctor

"It's the operated knee. I'm worried and I'll be getting straight in contact with the medical staff at Manchester City," said Castellacci.

Italy have a comfortable lead at the top of Group C and should they win on Friday would need only two wins from their final four games to book their passage to the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine next year.


No luck with the "to be legends" when it comes to injuries is it?

[wolfcity]

He's also living in another Country on his own for the first time. Footballers are people too!

That was entirely my point, glad I'm not the only one who can see it.

I lived and worked overseas for a year when I was 20, I wasn't at a uni with loads of other foreigners, nor was I in the position that a few of you on here have been....in the army.....with essentially a massive bunch of similar aged lads. It was only France but I was working in a large company, the only Brit, the youngest person doing what I was doing (basically an industrial placement) and with zero support structure in terms of friends, family or anything "familiar" to lean on.

Those who have met me know that I'm not exactly a meek, shrinking violet but I'll tell you what.....for at least the first 4-6 months it wasn't the easiest experience. It was pretty lonely at times and at others it was fucking miserable, my old man died when I was back for Xmas and then I had to go back and do another 6 months. In the end it was a great experience and looking back on it I'm very glad I did it but along the way....well it was often no picnic.

Sure, these days being a footballer with millions in the bank might open up more options, yes people would want to talk to you and birds would be all over you but honestly.....it wouldn't make me automatically happy. What anyone needs to be content is to enjoy their life....that includes work (having some decent relationships in your workplace as well as enjoying the job) and having some friends and maybe family to spend time with out of work.

I can understand lots of peoples' reactions re Mario and other footballers of "what the fuck does he have to worry about" but I would say that, on a human level, most are saying that as they have never been in this position at that age (not the footballer part, just young and solo in an alien environment) and haven't a clue as to how they might feel/cope.

Balotelli also earns more in a week than many hard working Mancunians earn in several years. He's young, rich & excitable with the scrutiny barely anyone else experiences. He needs someone or something to keep his feet on the ground.

I'm sure he'll be fine but if his Folks will make a difference to him both on and off the pitch then who can criticise him?

[Dameerto]

He's in trouble again - will probably be in the Tuesday 'Bollox', it's all over the European press - last summer he apparently went on a tour of an area of Naples known to be a Mafia 'stronghold' and in the company of two men who were later identified as godfathers. There's been a leaked Police report in which he's named.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... mafia.html

[halnone]

He's in trouble again - will probably be in the Tuesday 'Bollox', it's all over the European press - last summer he apparently went on a tour of an area of Naples known to be a Mafia 'stronghold' and in the company of two men who were later identified as godfathers. There's been a leaked Police report in which he's named.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... mafia.html

I love Balotelli more each day.

[bluelogic32]

Favorite quote...

One Italian newspaper, La Stampa, accused the star player of wandering the streets and grim housing estates of the area “as though it was Disney World”.

below if you read the comments someone posted this http://www.football-italia.net/jun6cc.html

Mario Balotelli has written an open letter explaining why he received a guided tour of Naples backstreets by members of organised crime.
“Around a year ago I was invited to Naples to pick up the Golden Boy award and stopped for a few days on vacation,” wrote the Manchester City and Italy striker.

“I was taken to see many wonderful places in Naples, like Piazza del Plebiscito, but I also asked to visit those areas off the beaten track. Having seen the film Gomorra, I was amazed by this whole other reality that exists.

“I wanted to see for myself and understand the serious problems in the suburbs of Naples that the film talked about. It is a very different reality to the one I grew up with and experience now...etc..etc

[Beeks]

Balo is apparently now trending on twitter

Regarding him buying Darlington and saving them from Administration

Hahaha

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Balo is apparently now trending on twitter

Regarding him buying Darlington and saving them from Administration

Hahaha

I heard Talkshite joke yesterday that Mario should save Darlington so I assume it has all carried on via twitter from that.