MANCINI WANTS A SUPER MARIO RAID

City boss admits Balotelli admiration

BALOTELLI: Mancini is an admirer

By David Harrison, 06/02/2010

ROBERTO MANCINI has admitted he is planning a swoop for controversial Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

The Manchester City boss is ready to offer an escape route from Italy to the temperamental 19-year-old, who has clashed repeatedly with Inter's manager Jose Mourinho.

Mancini helped nurture Balotelli through his early years and believes the teenager can make a big impact in the Premier League.

The City chief said: "I would bring Mario here because he is young and has great potential to be world class.

"He can resolve games and I never had any complaints about him."

Arsenal have also been linked with an £18million bid for the striker but Mourinho wanted to tempt Gunners skipper Cesc Fabregas to Italy as part of the deal.

Balotelli, nicknamed Super Mario, has courted trouble throughout his short career and often traded insults with Mourinho, who described him as lacking intelligence.

He has also been the victim of racist taunting from Juventus fans, who have chanted "black Italians do not exist" during games between the two clubs.

Mancini promoted Balotelli from the Inter youth team to the senior side and gave him his Serie A debut in December 2007.

Now the Eastlands boss is keen to hand the talented forward his big chance in English football.

Your comments

This article has 6 comments

bobby manc will get this boy to city money @respect
for mancini will swing the deal

By johnno.. Posted February 14 2010 at 11:29 PM.

Wenger,kindly aquire dis wonderful kid.cos he is so talented,good on d ball,strong and above al,he is going 2 b a good additnal 1 2 Arsenal attack

By Omolola.. Posted February 8 2010 at 6:40 AM.

Massimo Morati (inter president) said that he will not let him leave as he is the future of Inter. but money talks. Hope he will be coming to CHELSEA if he leaves inter

By Blueeyed.. Posted February 7 2010 at 6:21 PM.

Getting this enfant terrible at Man City will be the biggest signing of the club. He can singlehandedly change any game.
Go Man City!

By John.. Posted February 7 2010 at 2:56 PM.

"Super Mario" has the swagger and skill to attract many more fans from across the pond in the USA (like myself) to the best competition on earth in the Premiere League. I am sure ESPN would love to promote Mario Balotelli, as this is a "win-win" scenario for all involved parties.

By Raleigh.. Posted February 7 2010 at 1:45 PM.

Please Fergie take notice, this kid should be playing for United, him and Rooney up front together would be fear itself!!!!!!!!

By nick.. Posted February 7 2010 at 8:16 AM.

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