Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli is selfish, says Paolo Di Canio

Paolo di Canio has described Mario Balotelli as a “selfish” player despite the Manchester City striker’s impressive European championship campaign.

The 21-year-old has scored 27 goals in 60 appearances for City since moving to the Eastlands outfit in a €22m (£17.5m) deal from Internazionale in 2010.

Balotelli netted in Italy’s 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2012 with an eye-catching overhead kick before he netted a spectacular brace in the Azzurri’s 2-1 win in the semi-final against Germany.

“Balotelli is just selfish. He deserves a lot of slaps,” the Swindon Town manager told the Sun.

“Against Germany he did two good things but in the end I saw a player who was just waiting to celebrate.

“Balotelli does not play for the team, only for himself. He is an egotist, who thinks the world revolves around him. Guys like Balotelli deserve lots of slaps rather than pats on the shoulder. Antonio Cassano led the team to the final.”

Earlier this week, Balotelli’s agent Mino Raiola insisted his client is now worth €250m (£200m) after his European championship exploits, but maintained the forward would not be returning to Serie A.

“I have always said that Mario Balotelli is one player that could become the strongest in the world,” Raiola said.

“How much is he worth? In the actual market I don’t think there is a value for him but if I had to give a price I would say he is worth €250m.

“I say this to give a figure but you would have to ask the City owner [Sheikh Mansour] how much he is worth.

“I’m 200 per cent certain that Mario will not return to Italy at least while I’m his agent.”

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Read more on: italy, Manchester City, Mario Balotelli, paolo di canio, Premier League.