Former Italy striker Mario Balotelli has reflected on his career, revealing a lingering regret over his time with the national team.
The ex-Manchester City forward admitted he wished he had been given more opportunities to represent the Azzurri, but believes certain individuals around the squad wanted him out.
“I could have played more, but some people didn’t want me in the national team,” Balotelli said, emphasising that his only true regret is linked to his international career.
Balotelli, who has played for top clubs including Inter, Manchester City, AC Milan, Liverpool, Nice, and Marseille, also reiterated his promise to finish his career alongside his brother Enock Barwuah, who recently signed for Serie D side Vado.
The 35-year-old first moved to France with OGC Nice, where he scored an impressive 43 goals in 76 Ligue 1 matches between 2016 and 2019. He later joined Marseille for a six-month spell in 2019, netting eight times in 15 appearances.
However, last season was a difficult one for the 36-cap Italy international, who featured for just 56 minutes across six substitute appearances in Serie A.
Despite this, Balotelli insists retirement is not on his mind and hopes to play for “two or three more years.”
The forward was born in Italy to Ghanaian parents and could have represented the West African country.
