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Mario Balotelli has responded to former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic following recent comments about his playing career.
The exchange between the two former colleagues began when Ibrahimovic was asked to compare his former team-mate Rafael Leao with ex-Manchester City striker Balotelli. According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Ibrahimovic remarked, “When a young talent squanders opportunities, it’s a shame.
Balotelli had many chances and missed them all. That’s the truth. Leao is not like Mario; his unconventional goals are brilliant. If he scores like that, he’s a genius. That’s why Leao is on the field, while Balotelli is in the stands.”
Balotelli, clearly displeased with Ibrahimovic’s comments, promptly responded via his social media.
The 33-year-old forward posted a picture of himself holding the Champions League trophy, won during Inter Milan’s 2009-10 campaign. He tagged Ibrahimovic in the post, confirming it was a direct response to the Swede’s remarks.
Additionally, Balotelli commented on an Instagram post that shared Ibrahimovic’s original comments, stating, “In Manchester, you were scared, and I wanted to win (on the pitch). The year after, we won the Champions League anyway, but Zlatan, I still love you.”
In his reference to the 2008-09 season, Balotelli alluded to Inter’s defeat to Manchester United, where both he and Ibrahimovic played upfront. Ibrahimovic left Inter Milan the following summer, securing a £40 million move to Barcelona and missing out on Inter’s 2009 Champions League triumph.
Balotelli remained at Inter for another year before moving to Manchester City in a £23 million transfer. In addition to his Champions League success at Inter, Balotelli also claimed three Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia, one Premier League title, and one FA Cup during his career.
At the end of September, Balotelli had his contract terminated at Swiss club Sion after just one season. Subsequently, he joined Adana Demirspor, where he managed to score two goals in his first two Super Lig games.
