Balotelli included in Time's 100 most influential people

Eccentric striker Mario Balotelli has been included in the Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of the world for the year 2013. The magazine had included the likes of Lionel Messi and Didier Drogba in its list in the past, but Balotelli is the only footballer in the list this year along with just three other athletes.

Balotelli’s name in the list was accompanied by a blurb from his former Italy U-21 team coach Gianfranco Zola. The current Watford manager wrote:

“Mario has all the qualities to be a top player: power and athleticism, alongside a good understanding of the game — all positive. Mario can play the big games and handle the crucial moments, but he needs to keep control. That is vital for him.

“From afar, people may think he’s a madman, but he isn’t. Mario is a lovely guy, very humble and very funny. I can assure people he has always been a pleasure to deal with. He has returned to Italy from England as the main man with lots of attention. Now he has to ensure he keeps control and keeps focus. Mario loves the pressure, but to succeed, it is about finding balance.”

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini brought Balotelli to England where he spent more than two years before being transferred to AC Milan in January earlier this year. His time in England was marred with childlike antics and consequent controversies including setting up fireworks at his own house, throwing money out of his camouflaged Bentley, throwing darts at his team’s reserve players etc.

However, his agent Mino Raiola isn’t surprised by Balotelli’s inclusion in the list. Speaking to SkySportsItalia, he said:

“I am not remotely surprised. Time saw something in him that many are unable to see.

“He can influence men, women, children. Mario can influence Italy in various different ways, starting from the issue of racism that can be fought. He is a perfectly normal young man, but it’s clear there have been important responsibilities on his shoulders since he was 16 years old.”