Seven years ago today, a young Mario Balotelli arrived at Manchester City for a reported fee of £24million, and it is safe to say that he had an eventful stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Sometimes infuriating, other times a joy to watch, Super Mario become a cult figure at City, and Roberto Mancini arguably got the best out of his fellow Italian in what has been a turbulent career.
Mario scored some crucial goals, including the famous opener at Old Trafford during the 6-1 massacre, where he revealed his iconic “WHY ALWAYS ME” t-shirt. That and his sole assist in blue, setting up Sergio Agüero for the most famous goal in Premier League history, mean he will never be forgotten.
We asked you fans on Twitter for your favourite memories of Mario and here are some replies…
Why Always Me?
Easily the united game pic.twitter.com/DEHVvzXJuI
— Sarim Khan (@SarimYousafzai) August 13, 2017
Has to be the "Why Always Me " moment during the 6-1 demolition of the Vermin
— Stephen (@impsychicuk) August 13, 2017
Why always me ,aguero assist ,letting off fire works in his bathroom
— Jack Grant (@jackgrantymcfc) August 13, 2017
A classic Mario moment was when he nonchalantly scored with his shoulder against Norwich
Scored with the shoulder vs Norwich. Almost every poker face celebration. Still love him
— Timeless (@abimelech_mcfc) August 13, 2017
Shouldering in that goal against Norwich. No need at all but it was perfect.
— Kyle (@KyleCortex) August 13, 2017
Shoulder goal. couldn't miss from there but still such a memorable goal
— FRZ. (@riziriz7) August 13, 2017
Scoring with his shoulder. Absolute class
— Sean Seymour (@smalltownsean) August 13, 2017
Mario wasn’t known for his playmaking, but his only assist at the club couldn’t have been more important
his only assist to Aguero
— Antho (@nickpertom) August 13, 2017
That ONE assist
— Brandon (@WolfgangAJW) August 13, 2017
His brilliant assist to Aguero that win us EPL.
— Pranama Mawada P (@pranamawada) August 13, 2017
Mancini wasn’t happy at Mario’s infamous back heel moment, but fans had a laugh
his back heel miss
— HKA (@AlHKA) August 13, 2017
Mario was quite the joker off the pitch
Best memory is Taking camera from photo lady
— Kyrie_dehaan (@DehaanKyrie) August 13, 2017
Classic Mario, trolling the entire United team
Making Rio look like a mug. pic.twitter.com/FtIEkYrs0E
— Lewis Steele (@LewisSteele_) August 13, 2017
On the pitch, he had his moments of genius, and, well…
— Sad Hombre (@king__beef) August 13, 2017
How would Mario and Pep work out?
Announce Balotelli again.
— Ryan Schofield (@RYANDIDCOT) August 13, 2017
