Inter Milan Should Not Put a Price on Mario Balotelli
Any championship-winning team is always going to hear offers following a spectacular season like Inter Milan just had.
The Nerazzurri just enjoyed a Triple Crown season and obviously their talent has opened the eyes of clubs around Europe looking to add a new weapon to their team.
One young man who is attracting buyers is Mario Balotelli. The 19 year-old has shown tremendous potential to be a star. Wait, who are we kidding, he’s already become a star. He scored nine goals for Inter last season and he can create highlight real goals.
Balotelli is of Ghanaian descent but was born and raised in Italy. He was adopted by an Italian couple at the age of three and took the name Balotelli. Balotelli accused his biological parents of being “glory hunters” claiming they only wanted him back when he became famous.
Balotelli officially filed for Italian citizenship after his 18th birthday. The national team of Ghana has asked Balotelli to join their team, but the striker has expressed his desire to play for his birth country, Italy.
Balotelli began his career with Lumezzane, and at the age of 15 he was moved up to the senior side. He impressed many, and as a result, Inter Milan purchased his rights and have kept him ever since.
Now, Balotelli is waiting for his chance to join the national team while he showcases his talent with Inter.
The young striker’s talent isn’t in question, but his attitude is. Balotelli has had his problems the last two seasons under head coach Jose Mourinho, who has now gone to Real Madrid. Rafael Benitez is the new coach at Inter and he wishes to get to know the youngster before ownership decides whether or not to transfer him to the Premier League.
While Balotelli has had off-field issues with the team regarding his behavior, Inter should not give up on the young man. He has a chance at a fresh start with a new coach and his potential is off the charts.
Perhaps also one other important factor is that Balotelli is a homegrown talent, something that Inter has a shortage of. Inter has constantly looked elsewhere for talent, bringing in star players from other countries. While the formula has worked for them, it is important to establish homegrown talent for any country. Italian football has recently seen its influx of stars slow down and the Azzurri’s showing at the World Cup reflected that.
Balotelli, or “Super Mario,” as nicknamed by Inter supporters, has all the talent in the world at such a young age and can be a star for Inter throughout his whole career if he does what it takes to keep him there.
It has been a while since Italy has produced a striker with as much talent as Balotelli and if his behavior gets sorted out, just think of what he can do.
Balotelli thinks that he has not yet shown the world what he’s truly made of: “I don’t think the world has seen the real Mario Balotelli yet. The one who has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.”
Many clubs would drool at the chance to sign the young Italian, and Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea are in the bidding war to try and land the young striker.
Balotelli is flattered by the offers, but he has stated that he wants to pursue his studies in Italy and he enjoys being a pat of Inter Milan.
Regardless of which club wants Balotelli the most, Inter should do what’s best for Italian football, and perhaps themselves in the end, and hold on to the young emerging star. He’s what the city of Milan and Italy needs, a fellow countryman to cheer for.
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