Mario

[ant london]

He really contributed today. His post match interview was class but I get the feeling that he is leaving.

well, he was asked about that and what he said is the opposite of your feeling

[Chopper]

You need to review the interview.

[Im_Spartacus]

I thought he lifted the side when he came on... his very direct play and shooting, and his attitude seemed to give us that little bit extra... as well as his assist setting up the winner! Top stuff from Mario!

Now watch him be one of the players of the tournament in the Euros!

Yup, i take back what i said about him not contributing above.

The trouble he caused when he came on was the difference between the teams in my opinion. He looked different class when he came on.

I honestly think mario won us the league yesterday.

Quite funny that the player who would never play for city again replaced the other player who would never play for city again to win us the league

[ant london]

You need to review the interview.

no I don't thanks


Mario Balotelli has told his critics to "shut up" after helping Manchester City to their first ever Premier League title.

Balotelli was a second half substitute during City's dramatic late victory over QPR on Sunday, which ensured Roberto Mancini's side claimed the title over Manchester United on goal difference.

Balotelli has endured an up-and-down season - both on and off the pitch - but believes City's triumph means he has now proven his doubters wrong.

Despite ongoing speculation about his future, the former Inter Milan forward also expects to remain at the club for many seasons to come.

"Too many people talk. Too many people speak about me bad. And now they need to shut up. That's it," Balotelli told Sky Sports.

"Man City is a great club, it's a great team, great team-mates. I don't see my future far from here, so I think I will only be here."

The Italian added that he felt the final comeback underlined the fact that City were the best side over the course of the campaign, even if they made it difficult for themselves ahead of the final few weeks.

"This proves we are the best, that's why we won," he added. "We didn't play very well [for the] last few games but [over the] rest of the season we played good so we deserve to win."

Pablo Zabaleta, who scored the opening goal at the Etihad, gave an insight into the turmoil all the players felt.

"When we scored the second goal I thought we were going to win the game," he said. "At 2-1 I thought the game was gone. When you fight to the end sometimes you can get it, and I'm really proud to be honest for this group; players, staff and fans.

"You have to try to the end. We won the game in the last five minutes. It's crazy but I think we deserved it. We have fantastic players, and for this club it is a great step forward. Europe's next."

[belgian cityfan]

I have to say, I have never seen Mario showing such enjoyment and smiling than yesterday

you would expect that from any normal person ofcourse after all the craziness of that game but nothing is normal when mario is involved

but it just shows that he, like everyone else, just wants to win and just wants to be the best

[Tokyo Blue]

The most important assist of the season? Is there an award for that?

I hope he realises that that is what happens when you try to play the game instead of looking to the ref every time your arse hits the grass.

I'd keep all four of our strikers and see how it develops.

[ant london]

I'd keep all four of our strikers and see how it develops.

I've been thinking just that since yesterday TBH

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

The most important assist of the season? Is there an award for that?

I hope he realises that that is what happens when you try to play the game instead of looking to the ref every time your arse hits the grass.

I'd keep all four of our strikers and see how it develops.

This.

Like I said, there's potential in Mario and Dzeko. I'd like to see where they might take us and their careers.

As far as Tevez goes, I'd prefer him to leave but we weren't able to sell him in january so I doubt we'll be able to sell him in summer. The kind of money we are looking for simply isn't there in Italy in current financial climate and Real and Barcelona, two teams that could afford him, aren't interested. We aren't going to sell him to rival.

[dazby]

I wonder if Malaga will come in for Tevez now they've got champions league.

[Im_Spartacus]

This.

Like I said, there's potential in Mario and Dzeko. I'd like to see where they might take us and their careers.

As far as Tevez goes, I'd prefer him to leave but we weren't able to sell him in january so I doubt we'll be able to sell him in summer. The kind of money we are looking for simply isn't there in Italy in current financial climate and Real and Barcelona, two teams that could afford him, aren't interested. We aren't going to sell him to rival.

Id wager barcelona could be tempted. They have fucked up this year with no real replacement available for villa, and id say they urgently need someone who can do the business week in week out. They need to do something as it looks like if jose has another year at real, barca could have another lean year

[phips]

"Personally I think too many people talked and too many people said bad things about me, and now they have just to shut up."

what a funny ass quote

[Midnight Blue]

Forget about his talent/temperament we need to keep him around for his entertainment value.

Can't think of many other players who have the ability to amuse and frustrate in equal measure. Plus he gives the press something else to write about other than how much money we have spent on players.

[Elvistheblue]

This might already be elsewhere, but does anyone know why he wasn't at the parade yesterday?

[Tokyo Blue]

This might already be elsewhere, but does anyone know why he wasn't at the parade yesterday?

He is with the Italian squad for Euro 2012.

[twosips]

Had to meet up with Italian squad ahead of the euros. All legit and that.

[OliverHardy]

Who cares, we are champions :-)

[Elvistheblue]

Who cares, we are champions :-)

Indeed, I was just wondering though.

[Ted Hughes]

Had to meet up with Italian squad ahead of the euros. All legit and that.

No, he was at an Italian, not in Italy

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2144148/Mario-Balotelli-snubs-official-Manchester-City-victory-party-quiet-meal.html

That was Sunday night.

The version of Mario that played on Sunday, is a dangerous striker & was a clear threat all the time. The way he played the ball on to Aguero compared to his usual 'sit on my arse & wave my arms about' routine, is the difference. Amongst all the advice Bob tries to give him, a simple 'try to stay on your fucking feet' may be the best thing he could say.

[Esky]

Just watched the last 15 minutes back - he was immense. Ran everywhere, got involved and broke up their play the one or two times they got into our half.

[Clowncrete]

tbh, his disciplinary problems are too much. Him being suspended after the Arsenal game and Tevez returning is why we came from 8 points down to champs. The question is, what is the guarantee that he will improve in the discipline dept? And he has repeatedly mentioned Milan in the past. As someone here said, what is the point of developing him if he just leaves?