Addio Super Mario

In the closing stages of the January transfer window, arguably one of the most charismatic and controversial footballers departed the Premier League to return to Italy. There had been rumours throughout the transfer window, but on the last day of the transfer window the deal was sealed, and Mario Balotelli had traded Manchester City for AC Milan in a £19 million move. Often known for his off field antics rather than his performances on the pitch, the Italian still managed to score 30 goals in 80 appearances in a light blue shirt. But 'Super Mario' will undoubtedly go down in history for his incredible antics off the field during his time in England, and I will list his top 5 most memorable moments during his 3 seasons at Manchester City.

Top 5 most memorable Mario moments:

5)'Because I am rich'
Caught for speeding, when pulled over by a policeman, it was recognised that the Italian was carrying £1000 in cash with him. When asked by the policeman why Balotelli was carrying such a fee, The Manchester City striker smiled and replied 'Because I am rich.' A quotation that sums up his character perfectly.


Mancini (left) squares up to Balotelli

4) Bust ups
Balotelli has also been known for a number of bust ups that he has had, both with his teammates and his opponents. Known for his fiery character, the former Inter player has been involved with training ground bust ups with club Captain Vincent Kompany, as well as Alexandre Kolarov and Micah Richards. But most incredibly, the Italian also had a minor scuffle with former manager Roberto Mancini, and that may have been the last straw for the forward.

3) Bib
Probably one of the most absurd and comical incidents the Italian was involved in, was a training ground incident whereby Balotelli struggled to put on his bib successfully. Several minutes later and with assistance, the current AC Milan player finally managed to put on his bib, but his confusion and struggle will live long in the memory of everyone who witnessed the moment.

2) Fireworks
Of Balotelli's incidents when in England, this was undoubtedly up there with the most bizarre. In October 2011, the Italian somehow managed to set his house on fire, by allegedly setting off a firework in his house. Although no one was hurt, this again conveyed the ridiculous character of Mario Balotelli, which has been loved by the majority of the English public.



The legendary shirt is unveiled

1) Why always me

At number 1, in a match against Manchester United in October 2011, debatably came Balotelli's most memorable moment during his stay in England. After scoring a magnificent first goal against rivals Manchester United, the controversial striker unveiled a shirt which read 'why always me.' After all the negative attention, the striker had finally gained the publics attention for the right reasons, and again it seemed like everything, was about Mario Balotelli...

Other controversial incidents...

Mafia meeting - Balotelli was seen chatting to two leading mafia members, sparking rumours he was connected to the mafia world.

Darts - Balotelli was involved in a 'prank' which involved throwing darts at youth team players.

Just looking around - The Italian was pictured wandering round a women's prison, and when asked why he replied 'I'm just looking around.'

Trick shot miss - in a friendly in America, when one on one with the keeper, instead of scoring he attempted a ridiculous trick shot back heel, that went horribly wrong.

So the curtain has come down on a hectic Premier League career for Mario Balotelli. So often known for the wrong reasons, one statistic must be remembered. Balotelli had one assist in the Premier League, and that was to Aguero on the 13th May 2012 in the final league game against QPR. I don't think I need to emphasise the significance of that vital contribution. However, essentially, the Premier League has lost one of its most bizarre and loved characters in its history. Addio, Mario Balotelli.