Why always me? Mario Balotelli's crazy antics on and off the pitch

The Italian striker has been a magnet for stories

Simon Rice,Pa
Thursday 31 January 2013 14:22 GMT
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Mario Balotelli's time in England is at an end after it was announced he had completed his move to AC Milan.

Here, we take a look at some of the on and off-field incidents that have made him a cult hero.

Click here or click 'VIEW GALLERY' to see pictures of the incidents.

Car crash (August 2010): Just days after signing for City, Balotelli hits the headlines after crashing his Audi R8 en route to the club's training ground. Balotelli is found to be carrying £5,000 in cash at the time of the accident and when police ask why, he reportedly replies: "Because I am rich."

First red card (November 2010): Balotelli scores his first Premier League goals in a 2-0 win at West Brom but the achievement is marred when he sees red following a clash with Youssouf Mulumbu.

Women's prison (November 2010): Whilst in Italy during an injury lay-off, Balotelli and his brother drive into a women's prison to take a look around.

Wilshere snub (December 2010): City boss Roberto Mancini says Balotelli must change his attitude following his claims he had never heard of Jack Wilshere after beating the Arsenal midfielder to Fifa's Young Player of the Year award.

Dart-throwing incident (March 2011): Balotelli again hits trouble after it emerges he threw a dart at a City youth team player. No one was hurt in the incident and he escapes punishment.

Second red card (March 2011): Balotelli apologises to his team-mates after he is sent off during a Europa League tie with Dynamo Kiev for a reckless challenge on Goran Popov.

Homeless man wins big (April 2011): Stories emerge that after Balotelli won £25,000 at a casino, he gave £1,000 to a homeless man.

Playing truant (May 2011): It's claimed that when Balotelli spotted a young boy playing truant near City's training ground, he personally drove him back to school and gave the child's bullies a ticking off.

Back-heel blunder (July 2011): Balotelli is immediately substituted by an enraged Mancini after performing a pirouette and back-heeling wide when clean through on goal in a pre-season friendly against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Firework incident (October 2011): The Italian has another run-in with the emergency services after a firework is set off in the bathroom of his home, triggering a fire. The next day, he scores in the Manchester derby and celebrates by revealing a T-shirt which reads: "Why always me?"

Third red card (November 2011): The third red card of Balotelli's City career arrives in a league match against Liverpool, the 21-year-old dismissed for two yellow cards.

Breaking curfew (December 2011): Balotelli breaks a club 48 hour curfew by visiting a curry house ahead of a match against Chelsea.

Richards clash (December 2011): Just days after Balotelli's curfew lapse, he again attracts negative headlines after pictures emerge of a training-ground bust-up with team-mate Micah Richards.

Parker clash (January 2012): Balotelli was charged with violent conduct by the FA, and subsequently handed a four-match ban, after appearing to stamp on the head of Tottenham's Scott Parker during a Premier League match.

Inter press conference (March 2012): Balotelli gatecrashes the press conference to announce the appointment of Andrea Stramaccioni as Inter's new coach.

Fourth red card (April 2012): Balotelli sees red for two bookable challenges on Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna. Also guilty of a shocking first half knee-high challenge on Gunners midfielder Alex Song.

Assist for Sergio Aguero (May 2012): The Italian laid on the 94th minute pass for Sergio Aguero to score the goal that clinched Manchester City the Premier League title.

Stars for Italy at Euro 2012 (summer 2012): Scores against Ireland and then twice in a 2-1 victory for Italy over Germany in the semi-finals.

Bust-up with Mancini (January 2013): Pictures emerge from Manchester City's training ground which show Balotelli in a feirce confrontation with his manager.

Switch to AC Milan (January 2013): After repeated denials he will be sold, Manchester City agree to sell Balotelli to AC Milan.

Riots in Milan (January 2013): As Mario Balotelli enjoyed dinner at a restaurant as he completed his move to AC Milan, fans who congregated outside had to be dispersed by riot police.

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