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Mario Balotelli: The mercurial star who's a mother's boy
The gifted striker has not always been popular in his native Italy where he has often been subject to racist abuse. But having taken his country into today's Euro Championships final, is this eccentric son of immigrants becoming an all-Italian icon?
After his second, unstoppable goal against Germany and his strutting, shirtless celebration on Thursday in the European Championships, Mario Balotelli's emotional embrace of his mother in the stands finally turned the striker into a national Italian hero.
As fans waved flags and honked horns in piazzas up and down the country after Italy beat Germany 2-1 to book their place in today's final against Spain, Balotelli dedicated the victory to his adoptive mother Silvia, who raised him from the age of two after he was born to Ghanaian immigrants.
"I waited for this moment for so long and I wanted to make my mum happy," said the 21-year-old, who had made a habit of refusing to celebrate goals. "Tonight was the most beautiful of my life."
His gushing tribute to mamma was enough, according to Italian daily Corriere della Sera, to make Super Mario "more Italian than ever", a final rebuke to fans who hung a banner reading "a negro cannot be Italian" from the stands when Balotelli first made his mark at Milan club Internazionale.
For one football commentator, Balotelli's two goals will also guarantee him a place among Italy's footballing greats. "Until now, he has been the most controversial, talked about and, in part, detested national team player," says Sandro Modeo, who covers football for Corriere della Sera. "His goals against Germany changed all that; it was the break which makes him a champion."
Before Thursday, Italians had never really fallen for the 6ft 2in forward. Even colour-blind Italians have long been irked by his apparent cocktail of insolence and arrogance, which combined to get him kicked off a youth team side as early as the age of seven.
"By the time he was 11, he was saying he would be the first black man to play for Italy," recalls Ezio Chinelli, chairman of lower league side Lumezzane, where Balotelli was a youth player from nine to 16.
When he arrived at Inter, coach José Mourinho dropped Balotelli after he showed a lack of effort in training, claiming: "I can't accept that from someone who is still a nobody."
Nor has Balotelli won any popularity contests with his national team-mates this summer, often staying on the fringes of the group listening to rap music on his headphones. After his first goal against Germany, playmaker Andrea Pirlo ran to Antonio Cassano, who set up the goal, to celebrate, snubbing Balotelli.
Forced to accept a substitute's role in Italy's group game against Ireland, Balotelli came on to score a phenomenal volley before appearing to let fly with a barrage of insults aimed at the Italy bench, prompting team-mate Leonardo Bonucci to clamp a hand over his mouth. Explaining why he turns and walks away sullenly after scoring, Balotelli reportedly said: "I don't celebrate because I'm only doing my job. When a postman delivers letters, does he celebrate?"
"Italians are less tolerant of his eccentricities because they believe that becoming an adult and becoming a great champion are part of the same process," says Modeo. By contrast, since joining Manchester City, Balotelli's behaviour has been welcomed in England, where eccentricity is often seen as a prerequisite for true talent. "Mario lives life on the edge, so people like you don't have to," Noel Gallagher, Manchester City's rock star fan, has said.
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Cue Balotelli's tabloid-friendly stream of escapades in Manchester, from setting his house on fire with fireworks and writing off his car to handing out wads of cash to tramps. Less amusing was his disciplinary record at City, which undermined the team as it wobbled en route to winning this season's Premier League title. If Roberto Mancini's team had not won the title at the death with a last-gasp victory against QPR, Balotelli's wayward nature might have been less easily forgiven.
As his misdemeanours piled up and pundits queued to offer an insight into Balotelli's mind, the player offered no clues, revealing a T-shirt after scoring against Manchester Utd bearing the message: "Why always me?" When pushed, he has described himself as: "A good person. Educated. Impulsive, too impulsive."
Italian manager Cesare Prandelli said figuring out what made Balotelli tick was beyond him. "How do you try to work out what goes on in the head of such a young man?" he asked.
One way to figure out Balotelli is to start with his adoption by the woman he hugged so fiercely in the stands on Thursday night. Suffering from a chronic intestinal condition as a baby, Balotelli was given up for adoption by his Ghanaian parents, who could not support him. After spending two years in hospital in Brescia in northern Italy, he was reared by the Balotellis, a local family.
On the long drives between trials with local clubs, Silvia would accompany Mario to make sure he studied. "Mario always needed love and affection," his adoptive sister, Cristina, has said. "He wouldn't go to sleep without his mother holding his hand." That did not stop Balotelli misbehaving and he was often yelled at by his adoptive family, says Chinelli.
According to an Italian psychologist who specialises in helping adopted children, Balotelli's errant behaviour has a very simple explanation. "We see this a lot," says Alessandra Tongiorgi. "Adopted children have, by definition, been abandoned, which means they are wounded and need to convince themselves that the new family adopting them will not abandon them again. So they put them to the test." Balotelli's urge to test his family's unconditional devotion to him could now be shaping his relationship with Italy's millions of football fans, she suggests. "It is possible his behaviour right now, with his manager and fans, is a continuation of this."
Prandelli appeared to be thinking along the same lines when he said: "The day (Balotelli) understands that no one wants to hurt him, but rather that everyone is helping him, then we will have, in Italy, a champion." Ahead of his goals against Germany, Prandelli continued to pick Balotelli, even after he wasted chances in the group games, freezing mysteriously in front of the goal in Italy's opener against Spain.
With Italian fans, Balotelli's relationship has been more fraught. If, as Tongiorgi suggests, he harbours instinctive suspicions they could abandon him, he is not far off the mark, as intolerance bubbles under the surface.
"Italians like to back a winner, and if Balotelli messes up in the final things could all change," said Modeo.
During Italy's quarter-final game against England, a group of shirtless young Italians watching a big screen in Rome's Piazza San Silvestro shouted out "Balotelli eats bananas," every time he missed a chance.
"I watched the Germany game in a pizzeria in Ferrara where an old Sicilian said, 'Look at the monkey' when Balotelli got the ball," says Robert Elliott, who works for a watchdog monitoring racism in the Italian media. "I was shocked."
The Italian game currently resembles English football in the 1970s and 80s, when black players first broke into the England team and John Barnes was greeted with bananas and monkey noises when he played at some grounds.
As Balotelli hogged the headlines, Italy's sports dailies showed their grasp of racial sensitivity was adrift somewhere in the last century.
La Gazzetta dello Sport published a cartoon depicting Balotelli as King Kong, before Tuttosport ran a headline next to a photo of Balotelli stating "Li abbiamo fatti neri", a phrase which means "We have pummelled them" but was a pun on its literal meaning: "We have made them black".
If Balotelli can rise above niggling racism, he can inspire Italy's half million children of immigrants who were born in Italy, but who, like Balotelli, only qualify for an Italian passport when they are 18 under Italian law.
"Balotelli is creating waves in Italy," says Elliott. "He really represents something for Italy's first multi-ethnic generation."
After he scored his first goal in Warsaw on Thursday in front of his mother, Balotelli clutched at his Italy jersey in a patriotic gesture. Then he did something he rarely does after scoring – he smiled.
After the game, he issued a warning to Spain, Italy's opponents on Sunday. "My father's coming for the final – I hope to score four."
In Italy on Friday, images of the black player embracing his white mother dominated websites and papers. One newspaper, Il Giornale, decided that no one could claim to be more Italian than Mario.
"A loudmouth and a mother's boy, sweet but angry, a child in a hurry to grow and an adult still anchored to adolescence," it stated. "Half bully and half tender, Mario Balotelli represents the prototype Italian."
THE BALOBOLLOX
Born 12 August 1990 in Palermo to Ghanaian immigrants Thomas and Rose Barwuah. After a spell in hospital for an intestinal problem, Mario is adopted by the Balotelli family in Brescia.
Best of times Two goals against Germany last Thursday in front of his mother, propelling Italy into the final of the European Championships.
Worst of times Most managers who have worked with Balotelli have wondered, at times, whether his talent was worth the effort, because of his lack of discipline on- and off-field. José Mourinho did not much indulge him, and last season Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini hinted he might sell Balotelli (presumably a position now revised).
What he says "Sometimes I don't smile outwardly but I am smiling inside."
"[José] Mourinho is the best coach in the world, but as a man he still needs to learn manners and respect."
What others say "He's crazy – but I love him because he's a good guy." Roberto Mancini
Mancini overtakes Fergie in wages stakes with new deal
Roberto Mancini has agreed to a lengthy new contract at Manchester City that will take him past Sir Alex Ferguson in the Premier League managers' wage table.
City are expected to announce the 47-year-old Italian's new deal in the next week or so.
Macini, currently thought to be paid around £5million a year at Eastlands, a similar figure to that of his Manchester United rival, still has a year left on the three-and-a-half year agreement which he signed when appointed in December 2009.
The new figure will take him closer to the £7.2m paid to English football's highest managerial earner, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
City Under 15's in Singapore
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/Carousel?id=bcd53 ... e00&play=1
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CRAIG'S JUST BECAUSE BOLLOX ...
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CITY SNUB COUNT: 226
OLYMPICS BECKHAM SNUB COUNT: 863
DEVELOPMENT BOLLOX
We here at Bollox Towers have been somewhat honoured to have been temporary awarded a key to a certain closet of late. The nature of this teams work should not be underestimated ...EVER! Our inside man sneeked out the plans for the next 5 big site features for the forthcoming season.
1. Q&A. closet thread: http://www.mancityfans.net/Development- ... tures/5342
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2. **** *** FAN. closet thread: http://www.mancityfans.net/Development- ... res/703301
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3. PROMOTE AN A+ EVENT closet thread: : http://www.mancityfans.net/Development- ... features/7
<some of you may not be able to access the above link for security reasons so try link below after a brief word from our charity fundraiser, Bingo ... take it away fella>
Kieran is 7 yrs old. His stepdad, my son, Daniel Lewis has a malignant brain tumour (or brain tuna as Kieran says) Dan has been receiving chemo but unfortunately it has been unsuccessful.
The tumour is growing out of control.
As a tribute to his stepdad,( who he says has made his mum so happy) Kieran wants to run the Race for Life. His mum, Diana, myself and Dan's sister Sinead are to join him.
We are asking people to donate just £1.00, all monies raised will be donated in Kieran's name.
This little boy does not understand what cancer is but he does know that it is a very bad thing. Let's help him do something to make a difference and raise a whopping £100 ! ( such a huge amount to a little boy)
His target has now been raised thanks to the generosity of people. I must add that Deacon (Kieran's brother) is too old, at the grand old age of 12 to run the race. He will be volunteering on the day to hand out medals etc.
Was copied onto here by my mum in aid to drum up some support. Whatever is raised does not go to me, it goes towards cancer research.
Please dig deep and sponsor me online - it's quick, easy and totally secure.
http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/team-kieran
MCF.net thread: viewtopic.php?f=121&t=43368
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5. A.O.B. closet thread: http://www.mancityfans.net/Development- ... 6384266100
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OTHER BOLLOX
Michel Platini says Euro 2020 could be spread across continent
Uefa president Michel Platini says the 2020 European Championship could be spread across various cities in Europe, rather than having a single host.
Traditionally one or two countries have hosted the tournament, which is being held in Poland and Ukraine this summer.
The next competition in 2016 will be hosted by France.
"The Euros in 2020 could be held all over Europe," said Platini. "It could be either one country and 12 stadiums, or one stadium in 12 or 13 cities."
Correspondent Analysis Bollox by Phil McNulty
When Uefa president Michel Platini told his audience in Kiev that the possibility of having Euro 2020 in 24 to 32 host cities was a "great idea" it is fair to say not too many instantly shared his enthusiasm.
Platini was speaking at his pre-Euro 2012 final media conference in Kiev and if his hope was to capture attention and create debate then he certainly did.
Euro 2012 has been a success on the pitch but there have been logistical problems for supporters getting around Poland and Ukraine and there have been empty seats at high-profile matches. Spreading the tournament around so thinly around so many venues would hardly help.
Platini also says it would help infrastructure costs and circumnavigate the need to build new stadia or improve airports. Surely the best way to solve this problem is to have the tournament in a single country?
Turkey had been favourite to host the event in 2020, but their bid has hit difficulties due to a desire to host the Olympic Games in Istanbul in the same year.
Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have also formally declared an interest in hosting Euro 2020.
Platini confirmed a final decision would be taken in January or February next year.
"This matter will be discussed very seriously," he added. "We will have a great debate about 2020 and discuss the pros and cons.
"It's an idea I feel really passionate about, it will be a lot easier from a financial perspective.
"We are not going to wait until we know whether Turkey are going to get the Olympics.
"It creates a problem for us. We do have other candidates. Everyone has the possibility to host it.
"It is easier to go from London to Paris or Berlin than Cardiff to Gdansk. It would be four games per venue. It is a great debate."
Platini added: "We are just thinking about it. I have said 12 or 13 host cities, it could be 24 or 32. In these days of cheap air travel anything is possible.
Previous Euro hosts
2012: Poland and Ukraine, 2008: Austria and Switzerland, 2004: Portugal, 2000: Belgium and Netherlands, 1996: England, 1992: Sweden, 1988: West Germany, 1984: France, 1980: Italy, 1976: Yugoslavia, 1972: Belgium, 1968: Italy, 1964: Spain, 1960: France.
"It is the political decision that needs to be made. We wouldn't have to build stadiums or airports. That could be important in an economic crisis."
In January 2011, Platini called for the 2022 World Cup to be played across the whole of the Gulf after Qatar won the right to host the tournament.
Meanwhile, Platini has repeated his opposition to goal-line technology. Platini has previously stated he believes its introduction would lead to "Playstation football".
"I am against technology," he said at Saturday's press conference in Kiev.
"Where do we stop? There was a mistake in the Ukraine-England game.
"But there was an offside before that."
Beckham blubbed after being told he wasn't in Team GB squad
Shock news he wouldn't be taking part in the Olympic Games he helped bring to London in the first place left star 'inconsolable'
David Beckham had to be consoled by wife Victoria after he broke down in tears when told of his Olympic GB Team snub by Stuart Pearce.
Games committee bosses have also been left furious after booking the star for a series of high profile “athlete appearances” that will now have to be scrapped.
A source said: “There is no other athlete with such a huge global appeal than David and he’s very much the crown jewels in terms of selling Britain – and the Olympics. So there’s a sense of total incredulity that he’s been cast aside.”
The LA Galaxy footballer, 37, was told on Wednesday he had not made manager Pearce’s squad, and spent the next two days at home being comforted by Posh, 38.
The source added: “David and his entire family had block-booked the summer.
“He’s really disappointed. He cried after finding out that he hadn’t made it. Victoria and the kids were all absolutely gutted too. He was pretty inconsolable.”
Prince William texted his commiserations, as did friends James Corden and Tom Cruise while TV chef Gordon Ramsay blasted the omission as “disgusting”.
His sister Joanne and mum Sandra also tried to cheer him up over the phone.
London 2012 chief Lord Coe will now try to devise a new role for him.
Stuart Pearce’s decision to omit Becks from the squad continued to raise eyebrows yesterday.
Kane, who is set to play for England’s Under-19s next week against Croatia, trained alongside Beckham when the LA Galaxy star came close to joining Spurs last year.
The 18-year-old said: “David was at Spurs when he was getting fit. It was amazing to see him in the dressing room and to talk to him because he’s been through it all.
“He is one of the greatest role models ever and of course to have players like that around the dressing room is inspiring.
“We went to the same school in Chingford, so we had plenty to talk about.”
A growing number of sports stars believe Pearce has misjudged the national, and sporting, mood by rejecting Beckham.
Kane added: “I would have thought he deserved to go.”
FC Twente coach Steve McLaren says only an "absurd offer" would tempt him to sell Luuk De Jong, 21, to Newcastle. insidefutbolcom
LA Galaxy are keen on Frank Lampard, 34, and hope that the prospect of joining forces with David Beckham will tempt him to head to America. Mail On Sunday
Swansea City want to sign £3m Spanish centre-back Jose Manuel 'Chico' Flores, 25, from Italian side Genoa. South Wales Evening Post
New Birmingham boss Lee Clark has only 14 senior players to work with and is prioritising new recruits despite the club's current transfer embargo. goal.com
Stephen Carr and Colin Doyle are set to stick with Birmingham after being offered new deals. Daily Star
Goalkeeper Ben Foster says West Brom's "special relationship" with the fans is behind his permanent move to the Hawthorns.
Joao Moutinho said to be top of AVB's wanted list goal.com
Arsenal are keen on Palmero goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano, 26. caughtoffside.com
New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to sign Rangers midfielder Steven Davis, 27, who is available as a free agent. caughtoffside.com
Former Tottenham and West Ham striker Fredi Kanoute, 34, has joined Chinese club Beijing Guoan on a two-year deal. insidefutbol.com
Peterborough United are set to report Gianni Paladini to the Football League for allegedly tapping up Darren Ferguson on behalf of Nottingham Forest. Telegraph
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas has hailed Italy's Gianluigi Buffon as his hero. Telegraph
Bryan Robson has defended Wayne Rooney's performances at Euro 2012, insisting the media always look for "scapegoats". goal.com
And Steven Gerrard believes we all expect far too much of Rooney. Mail On Sunday
Michel Platini remains opposed to goal-line technology, despite Ukraine being denied a goal against England at Euro 2012. Daily Mail
Gianfranco Zola is set for talks about becoming manager of Watford after the Pozzo family completed their £20m takeover of the Championship club. Sunday Express
Former Greece international Giorgos Donis, who had spells with Blackburn, Huddersfield and Sheffield United, has spoken of the torment of his wife and one of his children being threatened by armed robbers. Lancashire Telegraph
Everton's Jack Rodwell wants to put his injury problems behind him and become a key part of Roy Hodgson's youth-orientated England set-up. Liverpool Echo
Arsenal fans have swamped a Facebook contest with votes to ensure Sol Campbell secures a spot in Tottenham's all-time Premier League XI. 101greatgoals.com
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