n8rngtd.topMario Balotelli is a tabloid journalist’s dream; from setting off fireworks in his bathroom to illicit romps, he is rarely left out of the front and back pages of this country’s red tops.
His latest indiscretion comes after the 22-year-old stormed off the pitch in Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Sunderland after being substituted for Sergio Aguero, before immediately setting off to his native Italy for international duty.
This led to claims in some quarters that the Italian showed no spirit or solidarity with his teammates; and his actions suggested that he did not care about the outcome of the match.
Of course this is not the first time Balotelli’s attitude has been called into question; and it is unlikely to be the last, so why does Roberto Mancini continuously accept the forward’s antics?
Is it because he possesses evident quality or is it a desire to prove the doubters wrong?
Jose Mourinho himself described the player as “unmanageable” and therefore it could be seen as a challenge for Mancini to rein in Balotelli’s antics and turn him into a world-class player.
The man has displayed his talent on a number of occasions; notably scoring a crucial late penalty in City’s 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and maintaining his concentration despite the taunts of keeper, Roman Weidenfeller.
Although his time at City has seemingly proved Mourinho correct in his claims, with Balotelli’s actions arguably being more detrimental rather than beneficial to his side thus far.
Some of the more notable incidents include his red card in last season’s defeat at Arsenal which almost cost City the title; as well as throwing darts at youth-team players at the club’s training ground- a dismissible offence for most, but not Balotelli.
He has also karate-kicked Dynamo Kiev’s Goran Popov in a Europa League match and had a bust-up with former player, Jerome Boateng.
Mancini often displays a hard stance to the media and has often publicly condemned the player’s behaviour, yet he continues to let Balotelli get away with everything, while tarnishing City’s reputation.
When quizzed on the issue in the past, the former Inter Milan boss could point to his player’s contribution to the team on the pitch; especially last season, when he scored 11 goals in 14 matches between September and December last year.
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But the Italian’s form is now dipping, scoring just five goals in his last 16 appearances for the team and is now overshadowed by Aguero and Tevez in the side.
He may provide great entertainment for some fans, but how long will Mancini’s patience last before even he decides that the player is no longer worth defending?