Mario Balotelli has played for both Manchester City and Inter, so was inevitably asked who he is cheering on ahead of the Champions League Final. ‘I hope it doesn’t go to extra time.’
It kicks off at the Ataturk Stadium at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
You can follow the build-up to the showdown on the LIVEBLOG.
Italy international Balotelli has of course won titles with both Inter and Manchester City, and was part of the squad that won the Treble under Jose Mourinho in 2010.
“Everybody asks me this question. I am not supporting anyone. Whoever wins is OK,” Balotelli told BT Sport.
“I do have my answer inside, but I won’t say. I hope one of the two wins and does it quickly, not go to extra time, otherwise the traffic in Istanbul is crazy.”
There are bound to be some mixed emotions around Inter for Balotelli, because while he represented both clubs and is Italian, he is also a lifelong supporter of their city rivals Milan, who were beaten in the semi-final.
It has been a very long time since SuperMario has been in a major match, but he was asked how he felt when leading up to a Cup Final.
“The less I think about the match, the better it is. Everyone has his way of doing it, mine is different to others.”
Balotelli was and still is famous more for his issues off the field than on it, and was never too fond of sticking to tactical instructions, so how would he have fared under Pep Guardiola?
“Personally, I don’t know him that well. I’ve heard players talking about him. If not the best, he is one of the two, three best coaches ever.”