His name evokes the genius as much as the waste. Mario Balotelli is celebrating his 35th birthday, and he does it as a free player. His last freelance in Genoa has turned short, in addition to a list of missed experiences since his departure from OM. Brescia, Monza, Sion… so many clubs where the spark has never really (re) taken. While many saw him hang up on the crampons, “Super Mario” chose the day of his birthday to speak in the Gazzetta dello Sport. And his message is anything but a retirement ad.
“I am looking for a club that will have self -confidence”
Far from the arrogance that has often been loaned to him, it is an almost touching Balotelli who spoke. His birthday wish?
“Health, for me and my loved ones. »» And on the sporting level, a call, a last bottle in the sea. “I am looking for a club that will have self -confidence. I want to play another two or three years ”, he said. No Real Madrid's unrealistic dream this time, but the simple request of a player who does not want history to end with the failure of Genoa.
This quest for a last challenge has almost become an obsession. Although without a club, he continues to train with personal preparers to “Stay ready”. His agent, Enzo Raiola, admits that a return to Serie A is
” difficult “but more modest offers exist. He is a man who refuses to let the curtain fall, a fighter who wants to choose his exit.
Balotelli, 35, appeals: “I'm looking for a club that will have self -confidence”
Balotelli makes a promise to his brother
If he does not find a professional lessee, Balotelli already has his plan B. A promise made to his brother, enock, who evolves as an amateur in Serie D. “Afterwards, I will go to my brother enock”,
he said. The image is beautiful: the champion of England, the former star of the Italian selection, ending his career on the grounds of the fourth Italian division, for the pleasure of playing with his brother. It would be an end of career in his image: unpredictable, authentic and ultimately very human.
Balotelli is a paradox. A lucid player on his past mistakes (“I did not have enough efforts”)but who cannot help criticizing modern football where “No one dribbles”. It is the symbol of a bygone era, that of imperfect geniuses. Will his call be heard? Will a club try this crazy bet? Whatever the answer, “Super Mario” has succeeded: remind us that he is still there. And that with him, we must expect everything.
