Mario Balotelli hit back at Sky Sport Italia pundits, claiming they “know nothing about football. Trust me, you really don’t.”
Mario Balotelli hit back at Sky Sport Italia pundits, claiming they “know nothing about football. Trust me, you really don’t.”
The Milan striker arrived in the Press zone after the 2-0 defeat to Roma and overheard pundits Zvonimir Boban, Giancarlo Marocchi and Christian Panucci saying he was “not a top player.”
He was then asked about his performance, without getting a shot on goal and substituted by Coach Clarence Seedorf.
“It was a normal game. I didn’t understand my substitution at first, but since in the studio they said I’m not a top player then maybe that’s why.
“Everyone is irritable when they lose. Nobody likes being on the end of a defeat.”
Asked about his position on the pitch, Balotelli implied the problem was with his midfield.
“When the ball doesn’t arrive in the box, you have to go back and get it. Roma are very strong and play great football.”
Marocchi asked whether Balotelli didn’t make the step up to becoming a top player because he didn’t move enough off the ball, but the response was extremely harsh.
“You don’t understand anything about football. Trust me, you really don’t,” snapped Balo.
“It isn’t nice? I don’t care. I don’t care.
“I never said I’m a top player. I am a perfectly normal player, it will take time to become world class, but the reasons why I am not a top player are not the same reasons you think.
“Every game is different. If I didn’t get near the goal once tonight, then there has to be a reason.
“You always talk about me. When Milan win Mario’s great, when Milan lose it’s all Mario’s fault. You expect me to score five goals a game. I don’t need your criticism, I make my own criticism.
“You always talk and talk, say I’m precious to Italian football, but there’s no point to saying these things. No point.”
Balotelli was meant to speak to the other media outlets, but stormed off after that interview on live television.