Mario Balotelli is ‘100% sure’ that his quality is the same level as Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo although he ‘missed some chances to be at that level.’
The Italy international is under contract with Turkish side Adana Demirspor and has scored 11 goals in 24 appearances this term.
The former Inter and Milan striker played his last game with Italy in May 2018 but recently returned to Coverciano for a get-together during the January international break. The 31-year-old hopes to get his chance earlier this month when Italy will play in the World Cup play-offs.
Balotelli admits that he had the best moment in his career wearing the Azzurri shirt during Euro 2012 when he scored a brace in the semis against Germany, helping La Nazionale to qualify for the Final.
“That was the best moment in my career, I guess,” he told The Athletic.
“The only objective I have is to go to the national team and to try to drive the Italian squad to the World Cup, and also trying to get in the first three places (in the Turkish Super Lig) here with Adana. I know it’s not easy, but that’s probably the two objectives coming out in my mind, the most important things at this moment.
“I feel it can be like this for the rest of my career, and that’s what I want, I just want to go back to the national team. The last two years weren’t very easy for me, in Monza and Brescia. I had some injuries too. For me, normality should be being in the national team. The thing that’s not normal is when I’m not.
🗣️ Mario Balotelli: "Now that I'm older, I know that I shouldn't have left Manchester City at that time." #MCFC
➡️ https://t.co/rkm4VtgQyz pic.twitter.com/Ma1BCKy1Nt
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 2, 2022
“So obviously, I’m working to be there in March when we have the qualifiers and I hope he will pick me.”
On the other hand, his ‘biggest mistake’ was to leave Manchester City.
“Even in the year when I left, I played very well in Milan for a year and a half, but after that, I had some problems. And now that I’m older, I know that I shouldn’t have left City at that time,” he added.
“All these years seeing City improving, improving and improving. I could have been here like Sergio Aguero for a long time.
“When I was at City, probably one golden ball (Ballon d’Or) I could have won, I’m sure about this. But you know, when you grow up, you mature more, so…”
During the interview, he even compared himself to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
“I am 100 per cent sure that my quality is the same level as these people, but I… I missed some chances, you know? It happens.
“Nowadays, I cannot say I’m as good as Ronaldo, because Ronaldo won how many golden balls (Ballons d’Or)? Five? You cannot compare yourself to Messi and Ronaldo, nobody can. But if we’re talking about only quality, football quality, I have nothing to be jealous of them, to be honest.”
Deluded
What planet is he from? Still an idiot!
Yeah he’s exactly like Messi and Ronaldo. Just stay away from the Azzurri please. We have a WC to make.