Former Marseille and Nice striker Mario Balotelli (35) has admitted he could have “made more effort” during his career. The 35-year-old, who is a free agent after leaving Genoa this summer, made the comments in an interview with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport.
First arriving in France at OGC Nice, the Italian scoring 43 goals in 76 Ligue 1 appearances between 2016 and 2019, before joining Marseille for a six-month spell in 2019 where he netted eight goals in 15 matches.Yet last season, Balotelli managed just 56 minutes across six substitute appearances in Serie A last season. Despite turning 35 on Tuesday, the 36-cap Italy international says he has no plans to retire and hopes to play “two or three more years”, even revealing a dream of joining Real Madrid.
The former Inter, Manchester City, Milan, Liverpool, Nice and OM forward also explained his only real regret concerns his international career: “I could have played more, but some people didn’t want me in the national team.” Balotelli also reiterated a promise to finish his career alongside his brother Enock Barwuah, who signed for Serie D side Vado this summer.
Since leaving Marseille, Balotelli has played for Brescia, Monza, Adana Demirspor – where he scored 26 goals in 51 games – and FC Sion, before returning to Italy with Genoa.GFFN | George Boxall
TheMentor
0
Bad character consumed three quarters of the excellent career you would have had, wishing all the best for the end
Zezesol400
0
You’re wrong bro all talent are from God but some are special. No matter how hard you train even if you sleep in the gym or the pitch you will still not reach the level of the special talent from God. Use Messi and an example. Do you think other players don’t train hard or even better than Messi or Ronaldo just because they don’t have the special talent from God they will never reach that level. Even in your field of work or career they will be people doing more better than you without even applying effort the way you do
ok
Jheart
0
But I think football is not a God given talent coz even seen averaged players with hard work produce good results,it's a mixture of luck n hardwork
You’re wrong bro all talent are from God but some are special. No matter how hard you train even if you sleep in the gym or the pitch you will still not reach the level of the special talent from God. Use Messi and an example. Do you think other players don’t train hard or even better than Messi or Ronaldo just because they don’t have the special talent from God they will never reach that level. Even in your field of work or career they will be people doing more better than you without even applying effort the way you do
mupacimntz
1
now you're finished bro
foscdoptu
0
he should have learned from CR7 but yet he keeps on beefing him
yumacikmrt
3
bad attitude can never take you forward.. very good talent, but lack attitude
Dapdemou
0
Hopefully he will end up in Madrid soonest as he has dreamed
pacablos
2
Still has better goal stats that most present day strikers
adedefender
0
Your regrets just started. We all anticipated such
Newbmprsz
0
But I think football is not a God given talent coz even seen averaged players with hard work produce good results,it's a mixture of luck n hardwork
True bro u said it all
Zekanotuy
0
Never regret Mario. You are not the only one. Most talented sportspersons have attitude problems.
omaryaradua
3
You can't achieve your goals without being disciplined. It can never happen
Zezesol400
0
But I think football is not a God given talent coz even seen averaged players with hard work produce good results,it's a mixture of luck n hardwork
Kehbepsyz
2
abeg go sit dan
jonatzDjango
5
why always me?
Iffy106
6
You misuses all the talent God gave to you with your stubbornness I hope you pray to God to forgive you