Mario Balotelli: AC Milan-bound striker's Man City career in pictures
- Published
The 20-year-old joins Manchester City from Inter Milan in August 2010 for a reported £24m. New boss Robert Mancini says: "His style of play will suit the Premier League."
Balotelli celebrates his first goal for City in a 2-0 away win against West Bromwich Albion. The joy is short-lived though - he later receives a red card for violent conduct
Despite his goals, the player has a number of rows with his manager Roberto Mancini. This, the first of many, took place at St James' Park in December 2010.
His fall-outs do not get in the way of his celebrations in May 2011 as City beat Stoke 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley, the club's first trophy in 35 years.
Off the field Balotelli courts more controversy in 2011, throwing a dart at a youth player, and having to be rescued by a fire crew after fireworks were set off inside his house. On the field, he continues to score goals including one in City's 6-1 away win at title rivals Manchester United.
Mario has another row, this time with team-mate Micah Richards. His boss Roberto Mancini laughs it off. "Richards said it was because [Balotelli] didn't pass the ball to him. It was a really stupid thing. It was nothing."
Balotelli is sent off for tackles on Bacary Sagna and Alex Song against Arsenal in April 2012. It leaves the club eight points behind rivals United in the title race. After the game, reports emerge that Mancini will sell the striker
It is all smiles as City lift the Premier League title for the first time in 44 years after a 3-2 home win over QPR. Balotelli plays his part by providing the pass for Sergio Aguero to score in the 94th minute of the match.
In June 2012, he scores twice in Italy's European Championship semi-final against Germany in Warsaw. His manager Cesare Prandelli says the player is flourishing because he is surrounded by "great champions".
Joy turns to heartache as Italy are thrashed 4-0 by European champions Spain in the final. Balotelli leaves the field in frustration before returning to claim his runners-up medal.
In December 2012 Balotelli says he will take his club to a Premier League tribunal over a fine of two weeks' wages for poor discipline. January 2013 brings another bust-up between player and manager - possibly the final straw for Roberto Mancini.
- Published29 January 2013
- Published29 January 2013