Full Breakdown
Mario Balotelli on Life in the Middle East, Italy’s Youth Crisis, and His Twilight Years
8/30/2026, 9:30:44 PM
Balotelli’s Move to Al Ittifaq and Reflections on His Career
The 36-year-old striker explains that joining Al Ittifaq in the United Arab Emirates was driven by a desire for pure enjoyment of the game and the chance to play alongside his brother, Enock Barwuah. He describes the facilities as “very good” and the stadiums as beautiful, but notes the lack of crowds and organisational shortcomings that he expects will improve over time. Balotelli says he feels a new level of wisdom and maturity, allowing him to look back on his turbulent past without chasing “the ghosts of unfulfilled expectations.”
Italian Football’s Decline: Balotelli’s Diagnosis
Balotelli argues that the problems in Italian football are simple and rooted in everyday life. He recalls childhood days of endless street play, contrasting that with today’s empty parks in cities such as Brescia. He blames the rise of computers, phones, and PlayStations, as well as a shift in parental attitudes that limit children to a few hours of football per week. According to him, the street-and-park environment once produced talent through frequent, informal competition with older players—a factor he believes is missing from modern development pathways.
Career Statistics and Milestones
Balotelli earned 36 caps for the Italian national team, scoring 14 goals. His last appearance for Italy came on 7 September 2018 in a match against Poland in Bologna, which also marked Roberto Mancini’s first competitive game in his initial spell as head coach. Balotelli highlights his three-year stint at Manchester City, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup, as one of the best memories of his career.
Future Outlook and Personal Plans
Balotelli says he is recovering from a slight leg issue and will continue playing as long as his body permits, despite the heat in the Gulf affecting performance. He envisions a post-playing life focused on managing his businesses and spending time with his children, preferring a tranquil, sedentary lifestyle after a hectic career. He would advise his 16-year-old self to avoid certain choices and to listen to the right people at the right times.
