Balotelli: a talent benched? Not any more!

There are many exciting talents around the globe in the game of football but few among them will make you raise your eyebrows like Mario Balotelli has. The Italian maverick is easily one of the finest talents but also one of the most controversial figures in world football. And more often than not, he’s in the limelight for the wrong. In his short football career, Balotelli has already attracted multi-million pounds for his transfer from Inter Milan to Manchester City and now to the other Milan club.

The millions aren’t just spent on him to acquire his enigmatic behaviour but to bring in a talent who can change the game on his own; just ask the German team of Euro 2012 and they will tell you all about it. English Premier League viewers must have enjoyed his stay in England but the same can’t be said about Scott Parker, who received a nasty stamp from Balotelli. So, why is that he wasn’t able to apply himself on the pitch and spend more time on City’s bench?

Balotelli probably does not understand that his talent comes first, something very well realised by Eric Cantona, who never forgot to apply his considerable talent even with his mischievous behaviour. Balotelli also belongs to a rare group of footballers who never enjoyed a healthy relationship with Jose Mourinho, a manger well known for his man management and leadership. He also never had a consistent relationship with Roberto Mancini, which highlights another trait of Balotelli’s character, where he always looks to defy any type of authority.

His transfer to AC Milan will probably give him a new lease to his career and opportunity to master his talent, which will place him among the greatest of talents. Life is not going to be easy away from Manchester as he will now have to compete against exciting Stephan El Shaarawy, Giampaolo Pazzini and Robinho for a starting place. What he needs is regular football, something missing at the Etihad, a home like environment and probably a little less media coverage than what he received in England to help him concentrate on his development.

This move may well prove to be in the best interests of world football as we might now finally see more consistent performances from Balotelli. England has lost an enigma but the Italian Seria A has probably now got something exciting to look forward too.