“The Spotlight Was Always on Me”: Balotelli Opens Up on Row With Jose Mourinho

• Mario Balotelli has opened up on his relationship with Jose Mourinho
• The former Inter striker had a tough time with the Portuguese gaffer
• Despite this, Balotelli and Mourinho won the treble with Inter Milan

Former Inter Milan striker, Mario Balotelli has opened up on his infamous row with manager, Jose Mourinho.

The 32-year-old had several altercations with the Portuguese coach, but the most noted incident was when he was made to leave the team bus and return home en route to a Serie A game against Catania.

According to the FC Sion player, the AS Roma manager was not easygoing during their time at Inter.

Balotelli admitted that like himself, Mourinho was not an easy person to deal with.

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"One time before a trip to Catania, we had an argument on the bus taking us to the airport. He made me get off the bus and I had to return home with a car," he told Muschio Salvagio, as quoted by Goal.

The striker's reputation as football's bad boy affected his potential of reaching the top, despite showing promise at a very young age by winning the 2010 golden boy award.

However, the former Inter striker believes he was also unnecessary picked on by the media, especially being the first black player to represent Italy.

"I know that I made mistakes, but it is also true that the spotlight was always on me. Aside from my own character and the label of being a prodigy as a teenager, I think the status of being the first black player in the Italy squad also contributed to people always talking about what I did off the field. I saw colleagues do some things, if it had been me," he added.

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After leaving Inter Milan, Balotelli joined Manchester City before later playing for AC Milan and Liverpool. He also spent time in France and Italy.

Balotelli still supports Inter Milan

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on FC Sion forward, Balotelli saluting Inter Milan's role as a major part of his successes as a professional footballer.

The Italian striker rose through the ranks at the Nerazzurri and became one of the most sought-after youngsters in the sport due to his enormous talent.

Balotelli was a member of the Inter Milan team that won an unprecedented treble during the 2009/10 season, under the management of Mourinho.