Balotelli Opens Up: From Barcelona Dreams to "Why Always Me" Celebration

Former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has shared some fascinating insights into his career, including a potential move to Barcelona and the story behind his iconic "Why always me?" celebration.

In a recent interview, Balotelli revealed that he had a month-long stint with Barcelona's youth team at the age of 15. During his time with the team, he played alongside talented players like Bojan Krkic, Thiago Alcantara, and the Dos Santos brothers. However, the club ultimately decided not to pursue him due to the high transfer fee demanded by his team.

Balotelli also spoke about his time in England, where he developed a reputation for his on-field antics and off-field controversies. The Italian striker explained that his infamous "Why always me?" celebration was a response to the intense media scrutiny he faced during his time in the Premier League. "The tabloids in England went too far with me," he said. "I made that t-shirt the night before the match, with the help of one of the kitmen. It was a fun way to let off some steam."

When asked about his opinions on current football stars, Balotelli praised Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé, calling them the best players in the game today.

Balotelli's Career Highlights:

• Potential Barcelona Move: Balotelli had a trial with Barcelona's youth team at 15 but ultimately joined Inter Milan due to the club's high transfer demands.
• "Why Always Me?" Celebration: Balotelli created the iconic celebration as a response to intense media scrutiny during his time in the Premier League.
• Current Football Opinions: Balotelli praises Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé as the best players in the game today