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Balotelli has had a turbulent career thus far. Martin Rickett/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Trouble

Mario Balotelli's greatest hits ft. the Italian mafia

The striker’s links with mobsters are just the latest in a series of controversial incidents that have dogged his career.

MAN CITY’S ECCENTRIC striker Mario Balotelli has once again become embroiled in controversy.

According to reports, Balotelli has been called to give evidence in a high-profile mafia trial – after he was alleged to have gone on a guided tour of the Scampia district given by known Italian mobsters.

Prosecutors are curious as to who showed him around the city and why.

One of the reasons Balotelli is alleged to have taken the tour is due to his love of the film Gomorrah, as he wanted to see some of the locations in which the film was set.

Balotelli, however, seems unconcerned by developments, telling the Italian media:

“I have already spoken with them (the prosecutors). There is nothing to worry about. I am calm.”

It is the latest in a series of bizarre incidents that have characterised the controversy-prone player’s career. Check out some more below:

  • January 2010: After Roberto Mancini brings him into the Inter Milan first team as a teenager, the player quickly falls out of favour once Jose Mourinho takes over as manager. The player is consequently suspended from the club’s first team by Mourinho, following numerous disciplinary issues.
  • March 2010: The player angers Inter fans, after he appears on Italian TV wearing an AC Milan jersey (see video below).
  • April 2010: Following his return to the first team, he gets booed by his own supporters during the Champions League tie against Barcelona and throws his jersey to the floor in anger as a result, while leaving the field.
  • December 2010: Having moved to Man City, he has a relatively successful start to his career, winning the Golden Boy Award. However, upon receiving the award, he compares himself to Lionel Messi, says he hasn’t heard of runner-up Jack Wilshere and claims he is better than Fabregas and Rooney.
  • March 2011: Balotelli gets sent off for a rash challenge in City’s crucial Europa League match against Dynamo Kiev. His team suffer in his absence and exit the competition, prompting Mancini to severely criticise him.
  • July 2011: He provokes his manger’s ire once again after a casual backheel during the team’s game against LA Galaxy. He is subsequently taken off, due to his overly lax approach to the game.
  • May 2011: Drives to a school in Manchester to lambast schoolyard bullies, after a Man City fan reveals his troubles to the player.
  • August 2011: Admits he is unhappy at Manchester and expresses an interest in returning to Italy. He is backed up for once, by ex-City player Robinho.

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