The Balotelli Bit
'Super' Mario Balotelli. The man who makes El-Hadji Diouf look like squeaky-clean Lineker. Undoubtedly talented but equally mental, this section of Fresh Air Football will keep you posted on everything Mario-related.
Whether it is a ridiculous quote in the press, a barnstorming free-kick, or a psychotic but childish reaction to something insignificant, you will be able to read all about it here.
After all, Mario once said, "I am not a bad boy, I am just a normal guy." So let's just enjoy Mario for what he is - pure entertainment.
06/11 - Apologies for the lack of regular updates on the Balotelli bit. Our man has gained national attention from the British press, who seem as obsessed with his ways as we are. We'll be providing a new-look Balotelli bit soon to sum up his first year in England. Our hero.
17/03/11 - It did seem destined to be a bad for night for our man, after this bizarre incident in the warm-up...
17/03/11 - It did seem destined to be a bad for night for our man, after this bizarre incident in the warm-up...
17/03/11 - A red card against Dynamo Kiev and City are out of the Europa League. Boss Mancini, a previously stout defender of our Mario, attacks his attitude and serious question marks surround Mario now both in the short and long-term. Likely to be dropped for the upcoming game against Chelsea, rumours will abound that Balotelli is off back to Italy come the close-season.
"I don't think he'll be in the squad (for Chelsea)," said Mancini.
"I don't know if it was a red card or a yellow card, but when you play a game like this you should pay attention."
Mancini added: "Mario thinks he could be a fantastic player. When he does something stupid like that, it's difficult for me."
02/03/11 - Two goals in two games now against Fulham and Villa, taking Mario to 10 for the season. How many would he be on if he'd been fit all season?
12/02/11 - After netting a hat-trick against Villa but injuring his knee, boss Mancini confirms Super Mario will be back in a week's time for the FA Cup Fourth Round tie with Notts County. We've missed him.
19/01/11 - Mario makes public his side of the glamour model love-triangle that he has found himself in. He claims his former Big Brother-winning squeeze Sophie Reade is trying to cash in on his fame (they reportedly broke up after she caught him and his Italian salami with her friend at a house party). He proves himself to be such a kind soul with this gem...
"Does she need money? Why does she not tell me so, instead of getting me on the front pages? Maybe I'm so stupid I could have even given her the money. So sad."
Indeed it is.
18/01/11 - Mario claims that the City strikeforce of himself, Dzeko and Tevez is better than Barcelona's. The best part of the interview though, is the following...
"Rooney is a very good player but not the best in Manchester. Do United fans insult me? No, they stop me in the street and say: 'Mario, come to us'. But I dream of beating them"
12/01/11 - Roberto Mancini confirms Mario's knee injury could keep him out for a few weeks, delaying Adebayor's departure. If he does go, I'd love to be invited to the leaving do...
26/12/10 - I go to St James Park to watch City beat my beloved Newcastle 3-1. Mario watch goes as follows:
85mins: Enters as a sub.
87mins: Booked for needless swipe at Cheik Tioté.
91mins: Fluffs an easy chance.
Full-time: Stopped from going down the tunnel by Mancini and sent to join his team-mates in applauding the away fans.
22/12/10 - Congratulations to Mario, who beats Jack Wilshere to the prestigious 'Golden Boy' award from Tuttosport. When asked about the English runner-up, Mario replies with this gem:
"What's his name? Wil something? I don't know him. "I'll look out for him next time we play against Arsenal. Maybe I'll show him the trophy and remind him that I'm the one who won it.
"I'm delighted to be the winner but who else could have won it but me?"
Priceless.
"I don't think he'll be in the squad (for Chelsea)," said Mancini.
"I don't know if it was a red card or a yellow card, but when you play a game like this you should pay attention."
Mancini added: "Mario thinks he could be a fantastic player. When he does something stupid like that, it's difficult for me."
02/03/11 - Two goals in two games now against Fulham and Villa, taking Mario to 10 for the season. How many would he be on if he'd been fit all season?
12/02/11 - After netting a hat-trick against Villa but injuring his knee, boss Mancini confirms Super Mario will be back in a week's time for the FA Cup Fourth Round tie with Notts County. We've missed him.
19/01/11 - Mario makes public his side of the glamour model love-triangle that he has found himself in. He claims his former Big Brother-winning squeeze Sophie Reade is trying to cash in on his fame (they reportedly broke up after she caught him and his Italian salami with her friend at a house party). He proves himself to be such a kind soul with this gem...
"Does she need money? Why does she not tell me so, instead of getting me on the front pages? Maybe I'm so stupid I could have even given her the money. So sad."
Indeed it is.
18/01/11 - Mario claims that the City strikeforce of himself, Dzeko and Tevez is better than Barcelona's. The best part of the interview though, is the following...
"Rooney is a very good player but not the best in Manchester. Do United fans insult me? No, they stop me in the street and say: 'Mario, come to us'. But I dream of beating them"
12/01/11 - Roberto Mancini confirms Mario's knee injury could keep him out for a few weeks, delaying Adebayor's departure. If he does go, I'd love to be invited to the leaving do...
26/12/10 - I go to St James Park to watch City beat my beloved Newcastle 3-1. Mario watch goes as follows:
85mins: Enters as a sub.
87mins: Booked for needless swipe at Cheik Tioté.
91mins: Fluffs an easy chance.
Full-time: Stopped from going down the tunnel by Mancini and sent to join his team-mates in applauding the away fans.
22/12/10 - Congratulations to Mario, who beats Jack Wilshere to the prestigious 'Golden Boy' award from Tuttosport. When asked about the English runner-up, Mario replies with this gem:
"What's his name? Wil something? I don't know him. "I'll look out for him next time we play against Arsenal. Maybe I'll show him the trophy and remind him that I'm the one who won it.
"I'm delighted to be the winner but who else could have won it but me?"
Priceless.
16/11/10 - Mario dumps girlfriend Melissa Castagnoli by text... she then reads his messages out on air. Better off without her Mario pal!
07/11/10 - Balotelli scores twice but is sent off for kicking out at Youssef Mulumbu. Harsh.
04/10/10 - Mario is, allegedly of course, caught in Brescia trying to break into a women's prison. He was apparently curious as to what it was like and didn't realise he was breaking the law by driving through the open gates.
07/11/10 - Balotelli scores twice but is sent off for kicking out at Youssef Mulumbu. Harsh.
04/10/10 - Mario is, allegedly of course, caught in Brescia trying to break into a women's prison. He was apparently curious as to what it was like and didn't realise he was breaking the law by driving through the open gates.