Hamann Pineapple said:
mac said:
watch this get turned around in the press as per f*****g usual
What ? You mean like this ?
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/nov/09/mad-manchester-city-mario-balotelli" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011 ... -balotelli</a>?
Mario Balotelli attacks English newspapers and insists: 'I'm not mad'
• Balotelli says image created by English press is unfair
Mario Balotelli has criticised the English press for the focus on his off-field behaviour.
Mario Balotelli claims his actions off the pitch receive more attention than his achievements on it, and has criticised English newspapers for the way they focus on his private life.
Speaking ahead of Italy's friendlies against Poland and Uruguay, the Manchester City striker said he was frustrated by his media image, but insisted he was enjoying both his life and his football in England.
"They tend to talk more about my private life than what I do on the field," said Balotelli. "This is normal, but I get tired of it. And if I didn't do the things I do, I would be bored.
"I'm not mad, not at all – even if sometimes I do things that are a bit strange.
English newspapers like the Sun are worse than the Italian ones. A newspaper that puts naked ladies on the front cover …"
Balotelli said he felt he has improved as a player since moving to England, citing the influences of both the City manager, Roberto Mancini, and Italy's Cesare Prandelli. "They brought me calmness and helped me from a tactical perspective. I feel like a centre-forward, but I can also play on the wings.
"English football taught me the pressing game and to chase opponents when I lose the ball. I don't miss Italian football, the level there has fallen a long way, while English football is beautiful and enjoyable."
Nevertheless, Balotelli refused to rule out an eventual return to Serie A.
"If the conditions were right I would even return to Inter. If the club was aiming high and the fans were calm [about the idea]. How close was I to a move to Milan [in the past]? I don't know. But I like Milan and I won't hide that fact, they are a great club and they have a team with many champions in which I would like to play. For now, though, I am happy in England. We have a great team at City."
Turning his attention to Italy's forthcoming games, Balotelli said he was ready to carry the country's hopes up front in the absences of Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi.
"It is time for me to show up for the Azzurri, I haven't scored a goal yet and the national team is the most beautiful thing for a player," he said. "[But] I am not nervous about this friendly, it is just a football match. The only time I have been nervous before a match was the Champions League final and then I didn't even play. Is there pressure on me? That's always there. I am ready to assume responsibility."
Questioned on whether he, Cassano and Rossi could eventually play together for the national team, he added: "Why not? We are strong. We can make history."
Balotelli was also asked about the racist abuse he has received in the past from certain Italian supporters.
"I hope things won't be like this any more, but if there are ignorant people there is not a lot we can do," he said. "I can only hope certain things won't be repeated."
I bet The Sun doesn't quote that bit in bold . . .
