Mario Balotelli still wants to represent Italy but slams the fact he had to wait until 18 to make his debut.
Born in Sicily to immigrant parents, legislation meant that the striker was unable to gain full Italian citizenship until his 18th birthday, as his foster parents hadn't officially adopted him,
“I had to wait until I was 18 to get an Italian passport and play with the national team, even though I was born here,” Balotelli told Goal.
Mario Balotelli still wants to represent Italy but slams the fact he had to wait until 18 to make his debut.
Born in Sicily to immigrant parents, legislation meant that the striker was unable to gain full Italian citizenship until his 18th birthday, as his foster parents hadn't officially adopted him,
“I had to wait until I was 18 to get an Italian passport and play with the national team, even though I was born here,” Balotelli told Goal.
“It’s really a disaster in Italy. You can’t wait 18 years to wear the Azzurri shirt, no-one else would have waited for so long.
“I could have played for Ghana, my ancestral home, but when I got my passport I was the happiest person in the world.
“I want to represent my country, because it’s all positive energy for me and I don’t feel any pressure.”