MARIO BALOTELLI: “I OWE IT TO THE FANS – NOT THE PRESS”
Since his high-profile move to Liverpool, Mario Balotelli’s season has been anything but smooth. With just one goal to his name (a Champions League strike against Ludogorets), the pressure is mounting—but the Italian international of Ghanaian descent remains unfazed, especially when it comes to criticism from the media.
In an interview with beIN Sports, Balotelli acknowledged his goal drought but expressed deep appreciation for the continued support of Liverpool fans:
“It’s very important for a striker to score. I remember when I was young, I played 20 minutes and I scored. The fans loved me. Today I play, I don’t score, but the fans continue to love me. It’s great of them. I really appreciate this love. When I start scoring again, I think it will be 80% thanks to them—because they always believed in me.”
Despite his struggles on the pitch, the Anfield faithful have stood behind him, applauding him each time he steps onto the field. Balotelli, known for his eccentric personality and media magnetism, seems determined to repay that loyalty with goals.
But when it comes to the English press, the former AC Milan striker pulls no punches:
“I know that whether people like me or don’t like me, they will read what is written about me. The press has to sell its papers and has to tell funny or stupid stories. People don’t want to read: ‘Mario is at home with his daughter,’ they want to read ‘Mario crashed his car,’ so they lie.”
In true “Super Mario” fashion, the striker remains defiant and self-assured, brushing off media narratives while focusing on delivering for the fans who still believe in him. Whether the goals return or not, Balotelli is clearly writing his own script.
