Mario Balotelli credits his wonder-strike to “training and the talent God gave me,” while admiring Clarence Seedorf’s honesty.
Mario Balotelli credits his wonder-strike to “training and the talent God gave me,” while admiring Clarence Seedorf’s honesty.
The Friday evening game against Bologna had been petering out towards a 0-0 draw when SuperMario suddenly unleashed a dipping thunderbolt from 39 metres (43 yards) that flew into the far top corner travelling at 91 km/h (56 mph). Watch the goal over at BT Sport here.
“To score a goal like that you also need training and I do train a lot with this type of shot after the end of the regular session with my teammates,” he told Mediaset Premium.
“Of course, there is also the talent God gave me, but I train too.”
It was at least a confidence booster ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.
“This victory does give us a bit more belief, but on Wednesday night it will be a very different game. We’ll be ready both psychologically and tactically. I have positive sensations.”
Balotelli also feels it is no coincidence the goals against Cagliari and Bologna arrived after Giampaolo Pazzini came off the bench.
“I get along very well with Pazzini and hope we’ll have the chance to further improve this partnership, seeing as whenever we play together one of us always scores.”
Coach Seedorf suggested this week Balotelli “will become a champion,” but isn’t quite there yet. Mario assures he was not offended.
“Seedorf really fires me up. We have a good rapport because he says things to your face and I like that. Am I a champion? These are things you journalists say. I believe you can tell a champion by what he does on the pitch.”