Mario Balotelli never was a player to conform to conventional protocols, so on a day when many players are thinking about their summer holidays, the Italian produced one of the best displays of the season.
The former Manchester City striker, now playing for Turkish top flight side Adana Demirspor, put on a dazzling performance in the last game of the campaign topped by an incredible rabona goal against relegated outfit Goztepe.
In what could be a strong contender for the Puskas award for the best goal later on in the year, the 31-year-old cut inside after receiving the ball from the left as he made headway towards the goal.
After making his way inside the penalty area, Balotelli then performed seven step overs in front of a defender before taking the ball outside with a touch and fooling the goalkeeper from a tight angle on the corner of the six-yard box with an outrageous attempt of a rabona that skimmed across the target before settling into the bottom corner.
It wasn't just a cameo finish either as in his side's 7-0 thrashing of their hapless opponents, the striker, who also previously played for Liverpool, had previously scored another four times earlier in the match to cap a final day to remember.
It's been a productive campaign for Balotelli who joined the club at the start of the season, netting 18 league goals in 31 games while also contributing four assists.
While Balotelli's ability has never been doubted, earning him high profile moves to City and the Reds as well as spells at AC Milan and Inter Milan, a lack of consistency and his maverick lifestyle have often made it difficult for him to settle at any club throughout his career.
But Sunday's display proved that he can still produce the goods and that he doesn't need a big game to motivate him either, with the end of season thrashing still only enough to earn his side a mid-table finish of ninth.
Balotelli's last day heroics come 10 years after helping Manchester City win the title on the final day of the season, with the striker coming off the bench to play the crucial assist to Sergio Aguero to net the stoppage time winner that landed City the Premier League title in stoppage time in a memorable 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers.
Little has changed 10 years on after City again had to come from behind on home soil against Aston Villa to win 3-2 late on in retaining the title on Sunday ahead of Liverpool thanks to a two-goal substitute cameo from midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
But Balotelli's masterclass has perhaps come too late in his career to be considered worthy of a return to the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola's outfit poised to land Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund this summer to strengthen their forward line.
Mosesgarteh
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[image]
we need this pic in here tho!
Hailings
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share pls
I guess this app won’t let share videos
Charliechaplain
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[image]
take this pics out rn😂😂😂☝️
tusacenpu
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balotelli was more talented than Ronaldo as well as he was a better overall player shame what the word has done to him
tusacenpu
1
MadridMaldives
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What an amazing goal: multiple step overs and a rabona. 🤩😎😍
PauloEscobar
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Hey is the video
share pls
Mia16
1
I’m a big Cristiano Ronaldo fan!!!! This app should restrict children who doesn’t know what sarcasm definition is...🤡
Stfu My comment is also a sarcastic one for you defending Messi If you can't understand then you can as well 🤫🤫
Desires10
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You can be sacked for not including the video. [Sadtolook]
KRIZ7
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Ballotelli also has more ballon d'ors than Ronaldo 🤡
I’m a big Cristiano Ronaldo fan!!!! This app should restrict children who doesn’t know what sarcasm definition is...🤡
Mia16
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Balloteli also has more ballon d’ors than Messi 🙂
Ballotelli also has more ballon d'ors than Ronaldo 🤡
KRIZ7
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Balotelli is actually better than Messi, more talented, taller, has performed in several other leagues unlike the one league wonder Messi
Balloteli also has more ballon d’ors than Messi 🙂
mujeeb999
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Come on Mario
baaklnpsy
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congratulations man
Spiff 98
2
All the long text and no video or gif[5percent]
UgodonFabulous
2
Mario dedicated his solo goal to Manchester city new champions of England
fizzbizzie
5
balotelli was more talented than Ronaldo as well as he was a better overall player shame what the word has done to him
Balotelli is actually better than Messi, more talented, taller, has performed in several other leagues unlike the one league wonder Messi
Jorise
1
Balotelli is great at football but I think his personality is what mared his legend status at any club he's played
amartious2000
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Is better seeing than describing
kosabcotz
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balotelli was more talented than Ronaldo as well as he was a better overall player shame what the word has done to him
You live in a different world😂😂😂
chris tola
5
Manchester City board after seeing what Mario did were like
ORUVAL3
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balotelli was more talented than Ronaldo as well as he was a better overall player shame what the word has done to him
Was what? what weed type type are you taking?? funny fellows...nonsense cheap talk!!
zokkmorst
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balotelli was more talented than Ronaldo as well as he was a better overall player shame what the word has done to him
Joejust
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I watch the video on his page on instagram after seven step over he scored with skillful quaresma style
Hailings
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No video clip?
I have the video
Barsenal24
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Not surprised Cze he’s been always spectacular
Hailings
0
No video clip?
Hey is the video
Tooikmstu
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No video clip?