Balotelli reflects on Man City spell
The former City star, who was recently called back into Italy's national team squad, feels leaving Etihad Stadium in 2013 was the turning point in his career.
Had he stayed in Manchester longer, Balotelli is certain that he could have claimed his own Ballon d'Or and earned the same club legend status as Sergio Aguero.
“I think that was my biggest mistake, to leave City,” said Balotelli. “Even in the year when I left, I played very well in Milan for a year and a half, but after that, I had some problems. And now that I’m older, I know that I shouldn’t have left City at that time.
“All these years seeing City improving, improving and improving. I could have been here like Sergio Aguero for a long time.
“If I had my mindset now, when I was at City, probably one golden ball (Ballon d’Or) I could have won, I’m sure about this. But you know, when you grow up, you mature more."