Mario Balotelli [General]

[Tee]

Yep, saw that earlier. Great interview.

[Lee]

Just heard on the radio that he gatecrashed an Inter press conference this evening to shake the hand of their new manager.

Edit - it's on the BBC now.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17530883

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli has gatecrashed new Inter Milan boss Andrea Stramaccioni's first press conference during a surprise visit to his ex-club.

Mario's antics:

* March 2010: Balotelli angers Inter Milan fans by posing in an AC Milan shirt
* March 2011: The Italian throws a dart at a Manchester City youth team player
* May 2011: The striker takes a bullied truant back to school and gives the antagonists a ticking off
* July 2011: Substituted in a friendly after backheeling wide when through on goal
* October 2011: Escapes unhurt when a firework is launched inside his home
* March 2012: Fined one week's wages by City for breaking curfew
* March 2012: Gatecrashes new Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni's first press conference during a surprise visit to the club

The 21-year-old striker unexpectedly walked in, to laughter from the crowd, and shook hands with Stramaccioni, who exclaimed: "What a surprise!"

Balotelli had driven to the Serie A club's training ground in a Ferrari to greet his former team-mates.

Stramaccioni took over when Claudio Ranieri was sacked on Monday.

Balotelli entered the press room as Stramaccioni was being formally unveiled as Inter's new manager.

The striker shook his hand and those of other people at the top table before leaving, continuing his reputation for unpredictable antics.

Balotelli knows Stramaccioni, who has been promoted from youth team coach, from his time at the club.

Stramaccioni led the youth side to a win over Ajax in the NextGen Series final - an international tournament for youth teams - on Sunday.

Inter Milan dismissed former Chelsea boss Ranieri, who took charge at the San Siro in September last year, after only one win in their last 10 league matches.

Following Sunday's defeat by Juventus, Inter sit eighth in Serie A, 22 points behind their local rivals AC Milan, who top the table.

Inter were also knocked out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage by Marseille earlier this month.

[Tee]

Why couldn't he wait until the PC was over?

[Lee]

Attention seeking?!

I used to think that he was a **** but I've changed my opinion since the firework incident. He's hilarious.

[Tee]

He is hilarious, but I reckon he will become quite irritating soon with cheesy stunts like this one.

[Lee]

I dunno mate, the boy just doesn't give a **** and I think that's great.

Carry on Mario.

[Muddled]

I think Joe Royle said it best:

"Mario Ballotelli is like Marmite, you either love him or hate him. Me, I'm in between."

[Lee]

I think Joe Royle said it best:

"Mario Ballotelli is like Marmite, you either love him or hate him. Me, I'm in between."

I think Duncan Jenkins said similar; "You either love or hate Balotelli and I like him."

[Phoenix07]

The new Inter boss looked cheesed off.

[lickedlollipop]

hahah legend

[Bender]

Manchester City are ready to sanction the sale of Mario Balotelli this summer after manager Roberto Mancini finally lost patience with the striker during the 3-3 draw with Sunderland.The Sunday Times

[Fosterbloke]

Not sure Id sign him only because he's inconsistent.

[Gingawaria]

I would sign him. On a day where City have apparently lost patience with him...he still scored twice.

[Scotsdave]

To be a bit muted and off the pace for 60 odd minutes in a crucial run in game, after going to Italy and back (for ****s and giggles, like) in the week - I'd be pretty pissed off with him if I were Mancini.

[JohnDoe]

I want us to sign him.