Balotelli: Players don’t have the same sense of belonging to the national team as we did back then, but I feel proud every time

Italian striker Balotelli attended the Trento Sports Festival and reviewed his career in an interview.

About starting my career

I started my professional football career in Lumezzane, but I always wanted to play abroad. My brother put me in touch with an opportunity at Barcelona and I stayed there for a month. However, Lumezane demanded a lot of money, so I ended up going to Inter Milan.

About my experience at Inter Milan

Moratti was crucial to my career. He not only gave me opportunities but also taught me a sense of responsibility. Mancini is also very important to me, especially when he cares about me. I'm still grateful to him.

About winning the Champions League in 2010

It was an unforgettable emotion. I hope to relive that moment every day. Mourinho means a lot to me. Inter Milan was part of my upbringing, but my experience in England made me more mature.

About playing for Manchester City

That was the first time I faced life alone away from home. Some things were done right and some were not, but it was these experiences that made me grow.

On the famous “Why always me?” celebration

It was a special time and I did it with the jersey stewards before the game and it was just a fun way to let off steam. The media coverage of me in the UK has certainly gone a bit too far. After leaving Manchester City, I was supposed to go to Juventus and I was already on my way to Turin, but Raiola ended up taking me to Milan.

About the experience of playing for the national team

For me, that was a very important stage. I don’t want to be controversial, but I feel like players now don’t feel a sense of belonging to the national team as much as we did back then. Every time I wear the national team jersey, I am proud to represent Italy, no matter what the cost.

I'm not sure why I missed the national team. In fact, there is no real problem. Is it because I am not popular with Juventus players? I don't know, I can't say that. I've always had good relationships with everyone.

About other players

Riva, Baggio and Totti are the strongest forwards in my opinion, and I am also fortunate to work with talented players like Cassano.

About my future

I have received some invitations from abroad and I am in good health, but I hope to stay in Italy. It's a stagnation period right now, let's see what happens next.